Save the Gerrards Cross Pond Campaign
This Video shows how empty the pond is as of August 14th 2011. And yes, the fisherman did NOT catch anything.
(Click the image to enlarge)
The "save our pond" campaign is to draw attention to the neglect of the Parish Council of Gerrards Cross in maintaining and monitoring the water levels in Latchmore and New ponds. In 2005 a partial de-silting programme was begun when residents put pressure upon the Parish Council to take the opportunity afforded by the drying out of the pond to carry out this much needed exercise. The silt had not been removed for forty years and even the contractor was astounded at the amount removed. However only half of the silt was removed at this time due to the mistake made by the Parish by taking the contractor from the site before the job was completed. The then chairman of the Council Peter Chapman made an apology to the residents at the annual general meeting of the Council and also stated the de-silting would be completed as soon as weather conditions presented themselves. This was never done, hence we continue to have half of the pond drying out every time we have a dry spell. This has given way to the extended growth of Willow, all manner of weed and reeds and rushes which have already invaded the dried out area. If this is allowed to continue Latchmore pond will disappear completely! Do residents want this to happen? Latchmore pond has been the central feature to Gerrards Cross since the railway came over 100 years ago turning village into a small town and the envy of the home counties! We desperately need to take action not only in removing this silt NOW but making sure the Parish Council carry out annual remedial and maintenance work to the ponds. The willow and dense vegetation. continue to soak up the depleted water area like a sponge and in the autumn the "leaf drop‘ into the pond adds to the accumulation of silt. Please join our campaign and TAKE ACTION by informing the Parish Council in writing of The Parish will no doubt state there are not sufficient funds for this costly exercise, but had they good and careful custodians of the pond, we would not be in this position now! We also have some of the "Tesco" donation which could be used together with grants from various sources. None of this can be done without YOUR help so please contact your Council NOW after all they are supposed to be acting on our behalf. The address to write/email to: Gerrards Cross Parish Council |