If you weren't yet convinced that summer is just around the corner, perhaps the news that Weston-super-Mare's Marine Lake is opening later today (Wednesday, June 1) will help. North Somerset Council has invested £300,000 to make the lake usable as an outdoor swimming and watersports destination for both locals and visitors alike.
The investment is part of the council's £700,000 'Great Lakes' project which also involves work to revitalise Clevedon's Marine Lake and Portishead Lake Grounds. Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: “Marine Lake is such an important attraction on Weston’s seafront.
"I'm delighted that this much-needed work to restore the lake means we once again have an all-year-round swimming and watersports destination ready to be enjoyed again by both residents and visitors alike. Huge thanks must go to the volunteers of the Weston Marine Lake Mudlarks for their continued support with this project."
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Over the past two months around 30,000 tonnes of compacted silt has been removed from the lake by specialist contractors Smals Dredging, to create a suitable depth of water for swimming. Other improvements include new steps to help swimmers get in and out of the water.
Cllr Solomon added: "Thanks also to Smals Dredging for completing the work on time despite the challenges of working in a marine environment. With the re-opening of the lake and the return of many big events this year, including the Weston Air Festival, we’re all set for a busy and exciting summer in Weston."
Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, the council’s heritage champion, has been campaigning for the lake’s restoration over many years. He said: “This outdoor seawater leisure lake opened in 1928 as part of several inter-war tourism projects.
"It was also a job creation scheme to help alleviate worsening unemployment when government was fearful of revolution during the General Strike. As with all such tidal projects it’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance and, after storm damage and a decade without investment, it’s so pleasing to see our lake back in use for paddling and serious swimming, healthy family fun and simple beachside relaxation.
"I look forward to taking the plunge once the temperature rises a degree or two!”
The council says it will continue to work closely with consultants and the Mudlarks - who will be the first to take the plunge in the lake - on the future arrangements for the restored lake, including the management of silt. One of the directors of the Mudlarks, Claire Trevor-Roper, was pleased with the news and said her team will be responsible for events at the lake too.
She said: "The Marine Lake Mudlarks are pleased to continue to work with the council to regenerate Weston's lake. We will help with the periodic draining and cleaning of the lake - much like Clevedon - as well as regular litter picking with the Cleaner Coastlines team.
"We will be helping organise and facilitate events at the lake, with Culture Weston and others, as we now have a wonderful venue all-year-round, not just as a safer place for swimming and watersports, but also for theatre, live music events, poetry and possibly cinema. This should significantly boost the area, both for locals and for the tourist trade.
"If you would like to know more, or volunteer, please look at our website."
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