Lottery grant will fund a major clean-up operation for pond
A VILLAGE pond that had become deep with sediment is to undergo a major clean up operation thanks to a Lottery Awards for All grant.
The grant of 2,983 has been awarded for work on the pond at Silk Willoughby.
Parish council chairman Paul Steer said: "It has been more than 30 years since the pond was last dredged out.
"Since then the silt and debris at the bottom has built up. One of the main problems is the trees on the west side which lean over the pond and all the leaves fall into the pond and then get caught up in the reeds.
"People from the village have always worked hard on the pond to keep it as clear as possible but it got to the point last year when it started to smell, so we felt it had come time when we needed to take more action, and the only way to do that was through a professional."
The parish council arranged for a full environmental survey of the site, which included measuring the depth of the pond.
Paul said: "It is generally 5ft 6in deep but of that 3ft was rotting leaves and sediment, which has to be removed. It is a major job.
"We have contacted the Internal Drainage Board, who will undertake the work, and have been given permission by North Kesteven District Council to have all the trees trimmed back to let more light in."
Before the work commences samples from the pond will be sent for analysis to ensure there is nothing harmful in the sediment and water before it is spread on nearby fields.
The work is due to begin in October. Half the water will be pumped out before the fish are carefully removed and relocated. The rest of the water will then be pumped out and the Internal Drainage Board will remove all the sediment.
After that, the pond will be left for the whole of the following spring to see what vegetation grows back naturally before water is pumped back in and the fish are returned.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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