[romancolchestersupporter]

Can I appeal for help with our campaign to save Britain's only known Roman chariot racing circus? We are a community based group working with Colchester Archaeological Trust to raise funds to secure the site, which consists of a Victorian Sergeant's Mess building and the lawned area in front of it, under which lie the starting gates of the circus.

The aim of the appeal is to create a public facility with informative displays, a cafe, and a well laid-out and attractive garden featuring the remains of the eight starting gates of the circus. We want to create a quiet and pleasant space in which residents and visitors alike can relax and explore a unique aspect of Colchester's Roman past.

The purpose of our appeal is to raise at least £200,000 to pay for the garden and what would be the public part of the building. The other parts of the building are to be bought by the Colchester Archaeological Trust for its offices and at least one private business.

If we are not successful with this appeal, the Sergeants' Mess will be sold for conversion into houses, the garden will become a private space, and the possibility of developing the circus as a cohesive and visitable monument will be lost. If you care about Colchester's nationally-important heritage, please visit the Roman Circus Appeal website www.romancircus.org and donate now. Thank you.