Lake drained for holidays

CLEVEDON'S Marine Lake is to be drained for essential repair work - right in the middle of the peak holiday season.North Somerset Council confirmed this week that the lake, will be drained for at least several days during the first week of August.The draining of the lake is necessary so contractors can apply a special waterproof grouting to plug any leaks when the attraction is refilled. The news that the work is being carried out in the peak of the tourist season has concerned some councillors.Clevedon councillor John Norton-Sealey said: "I understand the work needs to be done."However, we have known about the problems at Marine Lake for some time and I feel better planning could have possibly avoided having to drain the lake right in the middle of the holiday season. People will be visiting Clevedon and walking along the seafront to see an empty lake full of mud and debris."I hope the work can be completed as quickly as possible so everyone can enjoy the lake during the summer holidays."North Somerset Council bosses said the work has been held up because of poor weather and the high Spring tides.But they stressed the work at the lake would be completed in time for the Marine Lake Enthusiasts Society (MARLENS) festival in September.North Somerset Council spokesman Nick Yates said: "The work will be done during the first week of August."The reason for this is that the contractors must work during a week when the tides are favourable."The lake has to be drained to apply the waterproof grouting."We appreciate it is the tourist season but this is the best time the work can be done."North Somerset is also planning to do some repair work to the railings at the lake at the same time as draining the lake.