No clean up for the Lake Grounds in centenary year

 

PROPOSALS to spruce up Portishead's lake to mark its centenary year have been squashed - because the council says it doesn't have the money.

Portishead councillor David Pasley had requested that North Somerset Council clean up the large pond at the town's Lake Grounds to mark its 100th birthday.

Mr Pasley asked for the lake, which is fed by freshwater natural springs and is heavily silted, to be dredged.

He also asked for the levels of fish in the lake to be checked as it is understood they have thrived and the water is now overpopulated.

But North Somerset Council, which owns the beauty spot and is responsible for its maintenance, says it does not have the cash to dredge the lake.

The authority is already having to make cuts and save millions from its budgets in the light of Government austerity cuts.

The Lake Grounds officially opened in May 1910 and has been a popular spot with visitors from across North Somerset and Bristol ever since.

The land, once the most northerly part of the Somerset Levels, was once called Rodmoor - from which the rose garden at Lake Grounds now takes its name.

It was previously just a marshy swamp, used for grazing animals in the summer.

The land used to be owned by the Bristol Corporation who built The Esplanade in 1893.

It was hoped to start work on the Lake Grounds shortly afterwards, but improvements did not start until early 1910.

The corporation used unemployed people from Bristol to carry out the work to the beauty spot, which saw the lake created and the pleasure grounds carved out.

The workers were brought to Portishead by train and it took them 106 days to finish the work, with the Lake Grounds officially opening to the public in May.

But it is understood that after years of being left undisturbed, the lake has never been dredged and is now inches deep in silt.

North Somerset Council spokeswoman, Zoe Briffitt, said it would cost tens of thousands to clear the lake of silt.

Mrs Briffitt said: "We do not have the money to dredge the lake.

"As the wildlife and fish stocks are thriving, there does not seem to be any reason to do so.

"However we will be clearing the shallow end of the lake by the cafe to make sure it is clear of silt and debris.

"It is estimate it would cost tens of thousands to dredge the lake.

"The silt would then have to be barrelled up and disposed of.

"Unfortunately this is not a priority for us in the current financial climate."

The Lake Grounds - described as the jewel in Portishead's crown -  has a variety of play equipment, sports pitches and a cafe.

It is also used as a base for many of the town's events, including the annual raft races.

Mr Pasley said he was disappointed that dredging the lake was not possible.

Mr Pasley said: "I am disappointed that this work is not going to be done for the Lake Ground's centenary year.

"However, I understand the financial prediction that the authority finds itself in.

"I hope that when money does become available, the Lake Grounds will be identified as a priority.

"The Lake Grounds is a major attraction in North Somerset and it's important that it is kept looking its best."

* This is a bit mean, don't you think? As one of Portishead's most loved beauty spots, surely the council should allocate cash for it to look its best. What does everyone else think?