Council modifies lake drainage plan after swan worries. Partial drain will protect birds, aquatic life. Work starts Feb 24.
The first announcement upset people online. Work is set for spring half-term, and many people focus on the swans.
One group called the plan “abhorrent.” They said swans use the lake in winter and think the lake could be drained later. A resident asked to wait until swans nest, noting many swans, including a black swan.
Work will still start February 24. The council said they’ll remove less water and scheduled this before nesting season. The Harbour Office works with officers to ensure little disruption to wildlife.
They will drain the lake partially to reach the edges and clear large items. Enough water stays for the swans’ safety.
The work should take one week, and they will refill the lake then. The council cares about biodiversity and lake activities. All decisions consider the whole lake.
The council planned work outside summer to limit disruption. Refilling should start March 3, following the work’s completion.