Weston-super-Mare’s marine lake could be dredged and reopened by Boxing Day, a councillor has revealed.
North Somerset Council is set to spend £700,000 this year to improve the “Great Lakes” and foreshores in Weston, Clevedon and Portishead.
The mechanism to clean Weston’s marine lake has been broken for more than a decade and swimmers have described it as a muddy mess, while Clevedon’s is a runaway success.
Speaking during the council executive’s Facebook Live on February 4, finance boss councillor Ash Cartman said: “People are outside a lot more during the lockdown. We’re looking at putting some investment into some of those spaces, like parks and pools that will provide those kinds of services for people.
“We want to make an investment into the marine lake in Westion. The first thing is to dredge it and look at the sluice gates, and then do some improvements around it.
“If it all goes well, with a fair wind, we’re hoping it will be open for Boxing Day, if you fancy a winter swim, although it’s probably more likely to be the summer after.”
Papers for this week’s executive meeting say initial proposals are currently being scoped and costed. An engagement process will ensure that details are shared with residents before decisions are made.
Cllr Cartman told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that around £350,000 would be allocated to Weston’s marine lake as part of a wider project to “fix the front” – the lease on the Seaquarium building has been re-let, the council is forcing the sale of Birnbeck Pier and then will be setting its sights on the long-term future of the Tropicana.
He added: “This is not just about Weston. In Portishead, the Lake Grounds have been neglected for years. We will work in conjunction with Portishead Town Council to draw up a long term plan and investment strategy for rejuvenation.
“Clevedon Marine lake is incredibly popular and we want to make sure it can accommodate all those who want to use it. For example, we may need to look at providing extra facilities for changing.”
The council will work in conjunction with local organisations if possible.
Speaking during the executive’s Facebook Live in December, exec member and Weston mayor Mark Canniford said dredging the town’s lake was not a cheap option but is a priority for the council.
He added: “It’s a facility that’s desperately needed in Weston-super-Mare. We need it to be a good swimming facility.
“It’s something all Weston members are pushing North Somerset Council on. We need to see it opened up and used for swimming again.”
