Volunteers helping to return lake to former glory

A community group is aiming to return a 90-year lake where large amounts of litter have been dumped to its "former glory".

New Brighton’s marine lake, which is owned by Wirral Council, is popular among early morning swimmers.

The Friends of New Brighton Marine Lake, which organises litter picks - including one that lifted a tonne (1,000kg) of metal from the water - will now be allowed to bid for funding following approval by the local authority.

Member Clare Mahoney said past outbreaks of blue green algae in the lake and concerns about its worsening condition led to the group’s formation.

“We went from feeling a sense of hopelessness about the lake and how it was always going to be a bit smelly, a bit stinky, a bit full of rubbish, to thinking - why couldn’t we have a place in New Brighton that is full of clear water where people come from miles around to celebrate and enjoy?”

Fellow member Colin Clayton said they wanted the lake to “return to its former glory”, calling it “the jewel in the crown of New Brighton”.

The group have cleared out dead animals from the lake, including foxes and birds, and unblocked drains, allowing more seawater into the lake.

They also hope to introduce mussels and oysters to naturally filter the water along with aerators to improve water quality, to avoid any resurgence of toxic blue-green algae.

In a film shown to councillors, resident Peter Flowerdew, who has been cleaning up the lake for 22 years, said it had the potential to become a “wildlife sanctuary”.

The council said it was supporting regular water testing as well as putting up signs around the lake.

Councillors unanimously agreed to move forward with an agreement that would help the group bid for larger pots of funding.

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