Future of Sudbury boating pond called into question following concerns that attraction no longer serves original purpose

A Sudbury boating pond could be transformed to provide an alternative use following concerns that the attraction no longer serves its purpose.

During a virtual meeting of Sudbury Town Council’s leisure, environment and highways committee on Tuesday, members discussed plans to put up signs which banned swimming at the Mill Acre Pond in The Croft.

The committee was told that an altercation between members of the public had prompted the discussion.

Highlighting the importance of protecting the public’s safety, councillor John Sayers said: “It is obviously appropriate to put up a sign there and, indeed, I think we have an obligation to tell people that this is river water and that we wouldn’t advise bathing in it.”

While a sign currently stationed at the site already informs the public that the pond contains river water, councillor Oliver Forder suggested that the committee should investigate further safety measures.

Concerned about the health implications, councillor Alison Owen said it was important that people were aware of the potential risks of swimming in river water.

“If we put up signs, then it might stop people from going in,” she said.

Raising questions over the continued upkeep of the boating pond, which is increasingly used by visitors for swimming, Cllr Sayers said: “I don’t see that we can continue, year on year, to justify the cost of the work that needs to be done to it, along with the staff’s time, when you consider that there’s so few people who actually want it for its original purpose, which is a boating pond.

“They are rare and I think we should find, and consider, another use for the pond.”

Cllr Sayers proposed transforming the attraction into a lily pond.

“I think it would be extremely attractive for visitors,” he added.

Reflecting on potential devices that could help reduce the current level of maintenance, town centre manager Rachel Price said: “Aeration of water prevents algae issues.

“If we were to introduce a moving water feature, or a fountain, it would get that water oxygenated and it certainly wouldn’t require monthly cleaning like it does now, so those costs over time would reduce.”

The committee agreed to explore the future use of the boating pond at an upcoming meeting.