Partners agree to repair iconic pond after fatal leak
Plans are being drawn up to restore a long-standing feature of Grove Park in Weston-super-Mare after the pond there suffered what has been described as a fatal leak. The work will be funded jointly by Weston-super-Mare Town Council, the Weston-super-Mare Civic Society and North Somerset Council, which have committed to share the financial costs of bringing the pond back into use.
Grove Park’s ponds and rock gardens have been a familiar sight to generations of residents and visitors. The joint announcement made clear the three organisations intend to appoint specialist contractors to carry out what North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said would be a high-quality repair.
"I’m pleased that together, North Somerset Council, Weston-super-Mare Town Council and Weston-super-Mare Civic Society will be getting the Grove Park pond back up and running again. This is something I’ve been pushing for some time as we know how important and valued this feature is in the park," Mike Bell said.
The pond experienced a leak that council officers described as fatal; the fish kept in the feature were rehomed last year. Since then, local volunteers, councillors and civic groups have been seeking a cost-effective way to restore the water feature and avoid the risk of further deterioration.
What the project will do
- Repair the leak and undertake necessary structural work to the pond liner and edging.
- Reinstate the pond to bring it back into public use as a central feature of Grove Park.
- Use specialist contractors to ensure the work is completed to a high standard.
A spokesperson for Weston-super-Mare Town Council said the authority was "delighted" to be providing financial support alongside the Civic Society and North Somerset Council, adding that the three organisations would share the commitment needed to see the pond returned to use.
Those involved said the arrangement represented a practical example of local bodies working together to preserve an important public amenity. No detailed timetable or cost breakdown was included in the announcement, but the partners said the work would be able to go ahead quickly now that funding has been secured.
Local significance and next steps
Grove Park sits close to the town centre and is one of Weston's best-loved green spaces. The park's ponds and rock gardens form part of the Victorian-era planting and landscape features that many residents associate with childhood visits to the seafront town.
The restoration will be of interest to nearby residents, regular park users and community groups who have previously expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of the water feature. Councillors and the Civic Society have already been involved in discussions about how best to repair the pond and limit future maintenance costs.
Officials said specialist contractors will be appointed to complete the project to a high standard. While the precise programme of works and any temporary park closures were not specified in the announcement, the partners stated that securing funds was the final hurdle before starting on-site activity.
| Partner | Role |
|---|---|
| Weston-super-Mare Town Council | Financial contributor and project partner |
| Weston-super-Mare Civic Society | Financial contributor and stakeholder representing local interests |
| North Somerset Council | Project lead on delivery and appointing specialist contractors |
For now, the community can take some reassurance that the pond will be repaired and returned to use, and that the fish rehomed last year were spared while plans were made. The partnership approach aims to deliver a lasting solution that protects Grove Park’s character for future generations.
Further announcements are expected when contractors are appointed and a timetable for the works is confirmed.
