By Calls for action as Cleethorpes Boating Lake water levels dramatically decrease
The locally adored Cleethorpes Boating Lake has seen water levels decrease dramatically, as much as 20mm, with now calls for urgent assistance with the suffering wildlife, and help to restore the water to its usual quality, as record weather exacerbated a yearly occurrence.
There have been calls for action, however, for locals and residents to band together to donate whatever they can, or help to keep the area clean and upkeep the Boating Lake to the highest standard. The staff at the kiosk work hard all year round to keep the area safe, clean, and enjoyable for all.
The weather yesterday evening only topped the water up by around a millimetre, a passer-by said it ‘hasn’t been this low for around 20 years. Around the perimeter of the lake, pipes and previously submerged parts can now be seen as the water level decreases. The local wildlife has also been affected and some residents have donated tubs for water and other items to help.
Staff at Cleethorpes Boating Lake have cordoned off certain areas of the water, to stop damage to the boats and people getting stuck. They previously showcased their impressive Swan Boats earlier this year, but now, due to water levels, they are unable to utilise their entire repertoire.
A local said “I’ve never seen it so low before, the wildlife is really suffering and some are dying. The boats are running aground.”
A user commented in response to this saying “The gentleman who runs the boat hire is struggling with the low water level which some people find amusing but this is his livelihood.
“Aside from the boat hire, the wildlife is suffering because the lake is too low for many of the birds to get in & out of, or they’re landing on mud that they can’t escape from.
“Not being able to get in the lake is a major problem, particularly for the older birds as they are unable to drink or bathe. Luckily regular visitors are trying their best to resolve some of the concerns; a large plastic storage container filled with water from the lake proved an immediate hit with 2 long-term residents, Hansel & Gretal,” she said.
“The Boating Lake is a huge attraction which the council benefits from by way of business rents. It usually costs little or nothing for them to maintain so it’s well overdue some attraction.” another added.
A council spokesman said: “As we are all very aware, the prolonged spell of hot, dry weather is causing significant issues across the whole of the country. Lincolnshire (which does include North East Lincs) has been declared a drought area along with a whole swathe of south and east England.
“Whilst we closely monitor all our water courses, there is nothing we can do but to wait for rainfall and for it to naturally fill again Taking water from elsewhere to fill it up would be highly irresponsible given the current situation.
“We will continue to monitor water quality in all our ponds and lakes and do take water samples if any sign of poor water quality is identified. If we identify any conditions that may cause a risk to people or animals, such as dogs, we would take steps to restrict public access to the water until weather conditions and water quality return to normal levels.
“In terms of the de-silting, the low water levels have exacerbated the situation. Following the successful dredging programme in the Freshney basin, we are considering how we can plan and fund a programme of de-silting of our assets across the borough, but that will take time.
“Dredging requires technical expertise to ensure the clay bottom layer, which is essential to maintain water in the lake, is not damaged. It further requires an environmental permit and safe disposal of any materials taken out of the water. In the meantime, we would urge residents not to try to de-silt the lakes themselves – this could be very dangerous, and potentially lead to damage to the lake, accidents, injury, and worse.”
