Redcar boating lake test refill due to start
A test refill is set to begin on a historic boating lake that has been empty for months.The lake in Newcomen Terrace in Coatham, Redcar, has been blighted by consistent low water levels for about three years.Repairs have been carried out and Redcar and Cleveland Council said it was "determined" to restore it to "a high standard".Members of Redcar Model Boat Club, which uses the lake, said they were "a little bit sceptical", but had their "fingers crossed" it would reopen soon.
"We've raced cars, we've built mini yachts. We've tried all sorts of different things just to keep us amused," said treasurer Dale Patterson.
The club is the only social outlet for some members and Mr Patterson said they had travelled several times to Hemlington Lake in nearby Middlesbrough to practise their hobby."We've got to keep the club going just to keep everyone's chin up," he said."Funnily enough, we've had one or two people saying they want to join, but it's hard to drum up any interest for a boating club without water."
A number of repairs have been carried out over the winter, including the installation of new sluice gates.Cracks and seals have also been repaired and painting is currently taking place, the Labour-led local authority said.Council leader Alec Brown said tests were due to begin next week, with an opening date potentially announced afterwards.Brown, who met the model boat club in February, said: "I'm passionate about my town and I love the boating lake and I am determined that it will open again as soon as possible. "I hope that people will understand that problems do occur with popular attractions after many years."Mr Patterson previously said the 1930s lake was "the jewel in the crown" and fixing it would benefit the whole area."We'll put a lot of boats in, no doubt," he said.
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BBC News
17 hours ago
- BBC News
Boats back in leaky Redcar boating lake ahead of further repairs
Boats are sailing once again in an historic, but leaky, lake ahead of further lake, at Newcomen Terrace in Coatham, Redcar, has suffered from low water levels for years, forcing a model boat club to race radio controlled cars there instead.A test refill in April failed, prompting an investigation, and more repairs to a pump and the structure's base will be carried out this month. But Redcar Model Boat Club treasurer Dale Patterson said "things seem to be progressing in the right direction". Redcar and Cleveland Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service temporary pumps had been installed at the site to draw water directly from the sea."The saltwater intake pipe on the beach has also been damaged and will be repaired," a spokesperson said. The club has been able to sail some of its vessels ahead of the fresh repairs as sections of the lake have been refilled."It's been lovely," Mr Patterson said."It's nice just to get the boats back out."A lot of people had been passing by and taking interest in the mini vessels, which "we've spent hours and hours building", he added. The lake, which is about 100 years old, has been blighted by low levels of water for more than three structure was emptied and cleaned last September and repairs were carried were hopes it could be back to its former glory in the spring, but a test refill in early April investigation to find out why included a full topographical survey, use of ground penetrating radar and the drilling of 30 cores across the lake base and walls. Kirkleatham ward councillor Peter Grogan said in a social media post remedial work was due to start on Monday. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Powys County Times
5 days ago
- Powys County Times
Number of likely days for Channel crossings double compared with previous years
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South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
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Number of likely days for Channel crossings double compared with previous years
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