West Country News
Duck pond to be filled in
9:00pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012
A DUCK and fish pond popular with children has become the victim of council cuts.
People living near the feature in College Way, Taunton, were upset by Taunton Deane Council plans to fill it in and create a landscaped area.
David Redrup said: “Lots of children go there and love feeding the ducks.
“My grandchildren are upset. It’s a beautiful area.”
Paula Winter said: “I buy a loaf of bread every day for the ducks and there are always lots of children there.
“If they grass it over it will attract groups of kids at night.”
A Deane spokeswoman said the proposal followed a health and safety report showing the water was in a poor condition, the sides of the pond should be sloped and marker posts installed to warn drivers.
The cost of a pump to oxygenate the man-made pond, the other work and ongoing maintenance is considered prohibitive.
Comeytrowe Parish Council declined an offer to take on responsibility for the pond.
Cllr Catherine Herbert, the Deane’s sport, parks and leisure portfolio holder, said: “We’re facing an unprecedented squeeze on public finance and do have to make difficult decisions.
“We cannot afford to do all the things we’d like to.
“The cost of doing all the necessary work and future maintenance is unaffordable.
“However, we’re open to suggestions from the community and will discuss with residents our thinking before any final decision is made.”