Hope for leaky boat lake reopening

Part of the lake in Redcar has been refilled to test for leaks

There are hopes a leaky boating lake could be restored next month after years of low water levels.

The lake at Newcomen Terrace in Coatham, Redcar, has been undergoing repairs with test refills taking place over the summer.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said works were "progressing well" and they were hoping the restoration could be completed at the start of September.

Redcar Model Boat Club treasurer Dale Patterson said there was "light in the end of the tunnel" and members were "quite happy" after previous false dawns.

"There's been water in there for about a week now and it's still there," Mr Patterson said.

"It appears the repairs are working.

"It's been brilliant. The members have been enjoying themselves."

A section of the lake was isolated with a cofferdam

The lake was emptied last September and repairs were carried out in the hope it could return to its former glory in the spring.

However, a test refill in April failed, prompting a fresh round of works to the 1930s structure.

The Labour-run local authority said the deck and walls of the lake had been repaired after a section was isolated with a cofferdam.

"Repairs to the remainder of the lake are ongoing," a spokesperson said.

"Once complete, the cofferdam will be removed and the remaining area filled, entering a further testing phase. All works remain on schedule."

The deck and the walls of the lake have been repaired

The lake has been blighted by low levels of water for more than three years, forcing members of Redcar Model Boat Club to race radio-controlled cars there instead.

Mr Patterson said having water in the lake during the recent test refills had reignited interest in the club and there had been more visitors at the site.

"We use it all year around," he added. "We have even been breaking ice before."