What a difference a year makes, as anyone who has visited
Scarborough Mere recently can vouch.
Following the award of £15,640 from Yorventure to “increase
access to the Mere, specifically for disabled access”, work has
been underway to meet the guidelines of the grant.
This has resulted in:
- 4 new tarmac paths, existing paths being regarded, 4 paths with
steps upgraded.
- Surface path widening at the rear of the boating pond.
- Improved access as a result of partnership working between the
National Probation Service, Conservation Volunteers, Scarborough
Mere Angling Club and the active Friends of the Mere, whose “home”
is based at the Mere.
- 2 new disabled fishing pegs, constructed by the Modern
Apprentices at Parks & Countryside Services.
Mr Jim Taylor, a disabled member of the Mere Angling Club
commented:
“The disabled friendly fishing pegs are a vast improvement,
and the improved access to the bank side is something we are really
grateful for. To stop for a moment and think back only 12
months ago, the Mere has been vastly improved, not only for Anglers
of all disciplines, but for other users of the Mere, such as
birdwatchers, visitors and walkers.”
The next all important phase will be works at the North End,
and these will include: improved car parking for visitors,
replacement jetty, path and seating repairs, the introduction of
picnic benches, repairs to the Lake edge and creation of a bird
feeding area.
The Friends group and members of the Mere Angling Club are
currently looking at ways to raise a further £100,000 to fund these
works and are looking are different funding options. One option,
which the group favour is, commuted sums of money from new housing
developments (section 106 monies), and they are most grateful for
the support that Oakapple (currently developing on the old Edgehill
site) have shown them so far.
Aside from the major works undertaken, the Friends of the Mere
supported by staff from Scarborough Borough Council’s Parks &
Countryside Services have had a considerable positive impact on the
area. They have been busy all year round with, tree planting,
construction and installation of over 40 bird boxes, shrub pruning
and bulb planting, and can be proud of the difference that they
have made. On Make a Difference Day in October, the group
were kept busy finding challenges for “Dougie” from Radio York in a
live radio broadcast, which ranged from safely feeding the
wildlife, to planting as many bulbs as he could in a fixed
time.
Colin Cowie, Chair of Friends of the Mere said:
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped us in any way
at all this year, even though we are a small group we have made
some remarkable achievements, of which we are very proud.”
To celebrate all the accomplishments achieved so far, the Mere
Angling Club are arranging an Open Fishing Match, details of which
will be publicised nearer the event time.
Anyone wishing for further information, or who is able to help
with volunteering or funding, please contact Mr Colin Cowie on
01723 370235 or Helen Percival, Community Assistant, Parks &
Countryside Services on 01723 374079.
The community partnership and commitment at the Mere, will play a
vital role in the town’s bid for Gold in the town’s entry this year
into the National Finals of Britain in Bloom. The project is
a shining example of environmental improvements and community
involvement being at the core of the In Bloom campaign.