A Meeting took place at Iremongers Pond Wilford Village on Thursday 9 August and was attended by several committee members and local residents and a number of interested representatives including Don Bulmer, Diane Moore, Gaynor Jones-Jenkins, Mark Spec and Paul Owen.

The meeting followed a presentation by Diane at the group’s Annual General Meeting and concerned various developments around the pond. Unfortunately several committee members who had shown great interest were unable to attend because of holidays.

A channel is to be opened from the river Trent to the pond and a plan was displayed which explained this. The purpose is to improve the condition of the pond and a culvert is to be installed between the river and pond to allow circular access to walkers. The entry from the river is to be against the flow of the river and will result in the pond being a backwater. Parts of the pond will be in-filled around the edges to allow reed beds to be extended. Some existing reed beds will be destroyed but will soon result in extended reed covering. The work will still leave the pond available to fishermen and will not affect the existing flood control.

The members walked around the pond and although difficult in places partly because of the recent high water level and partly because of heavy growth including nettles. Several areas, apparently used by fishermen, had piles of rubbish and a large rat was seen feeding from one mound.

At the end of the walk several suggestions were made.

Bins should be provided at points that could be emptied efficiently

The area should be cleaned with all rubbish picked up and removed

Fishing areas should be better provided

A maintenance plan should be drawn up

A network of paths should be constructed but care to avoid the use of motorbikes carefully considered.

A map of the pond is placed in a prominent position and details of distances are included to assist fitness and health

Seating could be provided but needs to be heavy unmoveable items

Available grants should be looked into to provide funds for any work

Diane will attend the groups next meeting with a display and it is hoped that other representatives will also attend