Funding bid to improve Cleethorpes boating lake

Cleethorpes boating lake was created in 1928

Cleethorpes boating lake could be improved if a bid for funding is successful.

A North East Lincolnshire Council report identified “several challenges” with the lake in recent years, including silting and wildfowl waste.

The authority hopes to secure National Lottery Heritage Funding to improve the area and preserve Cleethorpes’ saltmarshes.

The council hopes the project, called Cleethorpes DUNE, will be completed in 2028.

The report said the boating lake's recent issues are due to its age and design, meaning it dries up easily during drought conditions.

Damage to grassland from greater numbers of wildfowl due to visitors feeding birds with bread is also an issue.

The DUNE project hopes to partner with Natural England and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to help rectify these issues.

An extra warden would also be appointed.

The project would require several bids for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The council has bid for the first phase, in which up to £250,000 can be awarded.

If the bid is unsuccessful, it was confirmed at the meeting that the council would have to consider other ways to fund the scheme, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Bill Parkinson said: "I think this is an extremely essential project.

"It’s one of our most important assets in the borough. It’s a very popular area."

Councillor Tim Mickleburgh noted the boating lake's creation in 1928.

“Hopefully we can get something done in time for its 100th anniversary in four years time," he said.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.