Model boat club forced to race cars in empty lake

A model boat club has been forced to swap water-going vessels for radio controlled cars because of constantly low water levels at the lake they use.

The boating lake in Newcomen Terrace in Coatham, Redcar, has been empty since September when the site was drained and cleaned.

Members of Redcar Model Boat Club said there had been issues with low water levels for about three years, stopping the club "in its tracks".

Redcar and Cleveland Council said recent repairs to the lake had not worked and more would be made.

The 1930s-built lake was filled with sea water via a pump during spring tide.

The issues have been blamed on a leak, but members of the boat club claimed there were problems with the pump.

Council leader Alec Brown said plans were being developed to buy a new electric one, although it was not thought that this was the problem.

He added recent repairs, including filling cracks and cleaning, had not worked.

"Following further investigations, more cracks have been identified and further repairs will be made," he said.

Dale Patterson, treasurer of the club, said the issues made it difficult to get new members.

"It obviously stops the club in its tracks," he said, adding: "We can't sail.

"It makes it hard work and takes the shine off what we would like to be doing.

"Sometimes this is the members' only outlet for getting out of the house, keeping the grey matter turning if you like, designing and making new boats."

Club member David Hart, who used to come to the lake when he was a child and sail little yachts, joined the club three years ago after his wife died.

"It gets me out of the house four days a week," he said, adding: "I'd like to see some water in it."

Members of the boat club are not the only ones hoping to see the lake full.

Jenny Archer, co-owner of nearby cafe Boathouse, said they were asked about it "a dozen times a day".

"Without water in the lake, it does detract away part of the attraction of visiting us," she said.

"It's not as picturesque, because it's empty and it has affected footfall and also customers' perception."

Ms Archer said people complained it was as an "eyesore" and "a blot on the landscape".

She added it was "a shame" as there were other efforts to improve the area and the sooner the lake was restored, the better.

Coatham is already the focus of £3.75m regeneration plans largely funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which are to see a coastal activity hub and hotel being added.

Brown said he "fully" understood the "frustrations" of the boat club and the public.

Back in July, he said the local authority had spent £7,000 last year on a replacement pump.

"We will get the lake back to its full glory as soon as possible so people can enjoy this fantastic attraction in our wonderful park and resort for many years to come," he said.

Mr Patterson said the lake was "the jewel in the crown" and fixing it would benefit the whole area.

"It's part of the history of Redcar and we've lost it at the moment," he said.

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