A WATER cascade in Abbots Leigh is to get a makeover - thanks to a £28,500 Lottery grant. Volunteers teamed up with North Somerset Council to put together the bid which will see the water cascade at Abbots Pool restored. The money will also be used to imp

A WATER cascade in Abbots Leigh is to get a makeover - thanks to a £28,500 Lottery grant.Volunteers teamed up with North Somerset Council to put together the bid which will see the water cascade at Abbots Pool restored.The money will also be used to improve access and increase knowledge and awareness about the feature.The water cascade has become overgrown and dilapidated over the years.The waterfall and damn structure was constructed by the Wills family during the 1920s by combining rock with concrete to create large rock formations using the specialist technique termed Pulhamite.Civic Society member and driving force behind the bid, Di Stewart, said: "Pulhamite is increasingly becoming recognised as an important element in landscape design during the late 19th century and early decades of the 20th centuries."We are very lucky to have such a fine example in our parish."Already the bridleway to the pool has been upgraded, through partnership working with the Forest of Avon, and additional steps will be built to improve access to the water feature.A leaflet promoting the site will be published and signs installed through the woodland.A number of community events have also been planned to help local people learn more about the site.Several workshops will also help local people to learn more about Abbots Pool.These will cover local history, natural history and wildlife walks and will combine classroom type activities with field work.Work is due to start this month and be completed by October.North Somerset Council's executive member for environment and the community, Councillor Deborah Yamanaka said: "This £28,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will have long lasting benefits for the site and its users, is a good example of what can be achieved when the council works in partnership with the local community."The grant has been supported by Abbots Leigh Parish Council. Chairman John Blain said: "Not only will this most generous award secure this important heritage feature for a long time, the publicity generated will bring Abbots Pool to the attention of many more people, giving pleasure to visitors and pride to those volunteers who have worked so hard.