Public Meeting: Hoylake Boating Lake

There was a public meeting on Tuesday evening at Melrose Hall to discuss the future of the model boating lake and the childrens splash pool (photos here). The well attended meeting was chaired by John Curry who is Operations Manager at Hoylake RNLI. Mr Curry was representing himself as a local resident as opposed to a representative of the RNLI. Also in attendance were:

• Robin Woodall (Chairman, Hoylake RNLI)
• Ken Roberts from West Kirby based coatings firm ATC
• Roger Calvert from Wirral Council
• Gerry Ellis, local councillor
• Members of local model boating clubs
• Local residents

Please feel to correct me if any of the following is incorrect (my background is computer programming, not journalism!).

Points of note:

1. The model boating lake leaks water from the concrete base and from the 52 expansion joints in the retaining wall.
2. The old childrens splash pool is also need of remedial work.
3. The surrounding paved area is also in need of some remedial work and additional seating would be advantageous.
4. United Utilities have indicated that it costs approx £800 to fill the boating lake with fresh water. They refuse to refill the lake because of the excessive water loss.
5. ATC have offered to do the renovation work to the boating lake for materials cost only. It is estimated that any work would take approx 14 days. ATC have requested that a plaque is put in place to recognise their contribution.
6. A pledge from an unnamed donor of at least £10,000 has been received as contribution toward the cost of any work.
7. A further £8,000 (approx) is needed to fund the renovation work for the model boating lake only. The splash pool would incur additional costs.
8. The lifeboat station construction company Nuttall have quoted to do the remedial work at a cost of £25,000.
9. RNLI members are willing to assist in the ongoing maintenance of a repaired boating lake.
10. Roger Calvert indicated that the reintroduction of a splash pool would be subject to Health & Safety requirements.
11. Wirral Council have suggested the installation of a public gardens/water feature at the site of the boating lake. The cost of such being in excess of £40,000
12. No other alternative uses for the area were put forward.
13. Nothing can be done to the site without the agreement of Wirral Council
14. A further public meeting will be planned in due course.

Feel free to correct/comment.