A hole has appeared in the bottom of the pond through which a great volume of water has escaped. Until it’s investigated further, we can’t be sure exactly what’s happened and why. There is some evidence on site to support the idea that a leak through the clay lining of the pond has been in existence for a long time but that this has suddenly expanded.

There is a small body of water remaining in which the few fish that live in the pond have congregated. The water that continues to flow out of the pond is running at a rate similar to that which is flowing in. Thus the advice from the Environment Agency is that the fish are fine where they are for as long as the weather stays cool and wet.

The outflow from the pond has been traced and there has been no flooding of surrounding land or property. The water is flowing into the same brook it would normally run into, though further downstream.

Signage has been installed to notify site visitors that the Council is aware of the issue, that they are dealing with the situation, that the fish are safe and that no attempt should be made to walk upon the sediment.

To help reinforce this message and more importantly to protect people and dogs, arrangements are in hand to install a temporary barrier around the pond in the form of plastic mesh attached to metal pins. There is no better option available at such short notice.

Engineers have visited the pond and external contractors will be on site on Monday morning. Currently it is thought that a bund of some sort will be required to separate the breach from the main body of the pond to establish a larger area in which the fish can live. There will also be a need to determine how to safely investigate the hole.

It is hoped that within a week there will be a range of options available that will allow for decisions to be made with regard to the immediate and longer term future of the pond.

The Friends of Group and the Federation of Stockport Anglers are being kept up to date with developments.

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