LONG MELFORD POND: COUNCILS PLEDGE TO WORK TOGETHER FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS

A meeting between Babergh District and Long Melford Parish Councillors and officials has successfully identified ways forward for the long-term future of the village’s Laurel Drive pond.

Recognising that some aspects of its recent necessary maintenance work might have caused concern amongst some residents, Babergh intends to speed up its planned programme of seeding the surrounding areas and removing the fencing with a view to improving the appearance of the pond. In the autumn the water level will be allowed to increase so as to expand the pond back towards its original size. To do so beforehand might damage existing animal and plant life.

The representatives from Babergh (including Councillors Kemp and Brand) and Long Melford (including Parish Chairman, Councillor David Burch) have also agreed to explore the possibility of Babergh leasing the pond to the Parish Council, so that the latter can manage the feature.

According to David Burch and Stewart Schleip, Babergh’s Open Space Manager “it was a very positive meeting and one which focussed upon positive ideas for both the short-term and long-term management of the pond. We are all committed to working together for the future of this important village landmark”