"It’s been a long fight but worth every moment” - Charles Street pond to reopen

Campaigners have been fighting for over a year to have the pond at Charles Street Recreation Ground re-opened and properly maintained for the community, and there were discussions ongoing between East Lindsey District Council, who own the land, and Louth Town Council for the latter to take the recreation ground on as a community asset.

In October, ELDC announced that members would explore the opportunity of leasing the pond out to local community groups or interested parties, and campaigners even put together a promotional video to keep their message in the public’s conciousness.

But it was announced yesterday (Tuesday) that ‘The Charles Street Pit Fishing Association’ had been awarded the tender for the pond.

A spokesman for ELDC said: “Following a review of the recent submissions and meetings with the prospective applicants, we are pleased to announce that we have now awarded the tender to a local group, ‘The Charles Street Pit Fishing Association’.

“We will now be working with this group to arrange the safe re-opening of Charles Street Pond.”

Charles Street Pit Fishing Association is being formed as a constitutioned association to run the site working hard for the reopening in the spring of 2024.

One of the members of the group, Matt Deann, said: “I’ve been fishing in the pond since I was six years old as I live in the street next to it and I’ve grown up around that area.

"It’s going to be brilliant for the community to have it open again.”

The group are planning to have the pond back up and running in the spring, and will be meeting this week to begin the first stages of the process.

​Town councillor Lynne Cooney, one of the driving forces behind the campaign, said she was “absolutely delighted” at the news:

"It’s been a long fight but worth every moment,” she said, “I’m immensely proud of our community who stepped up to make their feelings known, to Hope Sings Eternal who put the Madness inspired film together and to Louth Lions, Jason Adlam and the fishing group who spent many hours putting a strong bid together to secure the pond lease.

"It’s been a privilege to be part of it all.”

Matt has also extended his thanks to Callum Malcolm and Jim Randall from Louth Building Supplies, and everyone who has contributed to the cause.

Mayor Julia Simmons added: “I personally am delighted that ELDC have recently awarded the tender for the Charles Street fishing pond, to a local group namely, The Charles Street Pit Fishing Association.

"ELDC have also stated that they will be working together to ensure the safe reopening of the pond.Many others and I have campaigned for this.

"I remember the recreation ground from when I was young and how valuable the green space was and isfor the community. There are also tennis courts and a green there which is used by the croquet club.

"I am certain that the site will be well appreciated by all those who use it who will benefit greatly from outdoor exercise and also in this area of the Town."