Swimmer safety fears over bid to dump soil in lake

Martin Powers is one of many people who regularly swim in Luxborough Lake

Plans to dump huge amounts of soil into a popular lake have sparked outcry, with swimmers fearing it could pose a contamination risk.

Waste management company Hersus wanted to offload the dirt in Luxborough Lake in Chigwell, Essex.

The firm said changing the water depth from 35m (115ft) to 6m (20ft) would make the beauty spot more accessible.

Buckhurst Hill Parish Council objected to the application, stating there was "no credible evidence" of water sports benefitting from the lake's depth being reduced.

A total of 850,000 cubic metres of soil would be tipped into the 25-acre (10ha) lake, under plans submitted to Epping Forest District Council.

Concerns have been raised about where the dirt would come from and its impact on the ecosystem.

Swimmer Martin Powers said: "It's not just about our fears of losing our beautiful swimming place. What are they going to dump in here?"

Luxborough Lake was created during construction of the M11

His fears were echoed by resident John Bothwell, who accused Hersus of having no intention to enhance the lake.

"This is the last decent lane to walk down in Chigwell," he said.

"People come down here with their dogs, walking, runners, cyclists and horse riders, and if it gets its way that'll be all totally disrupted."

Buckhurst Hill Parish Council said: "While the applicant claims to have the noble goal of an environmentally and disability-friendly recreational facility open to the public, they have not established why 850,000 cubic meters is necessary to achieve that vision."

The lake was created by workers who dug out a gravel pit during construction of the M11, the Local Democracy Reporting Service wrote.

Hersus said its plan required ongoing tests to verify all material entering the water was clean and naturally occurring.

"Retaining open-water swimming, as well as other water sports, is at the core of the proposal," it stressed.

"By shallowing the lake, it will be possible to provide opportunities for open-water swimming to those of all levels."

Hersus's application also sought to change the use of the site to an outdoor sport and recreation centre.

"This will help secure the future of the lake as a destination for sport and recreation," it added.