PRESS RELEASE: SAVING WILDLIFE AND NATURE PETITION HAND IN - MORE THAN 3500 VOICES ASK TO KEEP BALDERTON LAKE BOAT FREE

Balderton Parish Council will see its biggest ever petition formally presented this Wednesday, 07 September asking them to keep Balderton Lake protected. 

Environmental campaigner Emma Oldham, who set up the petition on behalf of Saving Wildlife and Nature (SWAN), will hand over her petition with the help of young nature lovers who regularly visit and live by the lake. 

Emma, 32,  from Newark, started the petition earlier this year on behalf of concerned Balderton residents who were shocked over Balderton Parish Council’s plans to weaken their bylaws to allow YMCA Newark and Sherwood regular kayaking activity on the lake. 

The petition was widely shared and supported by local residents worried about the impact the kayaking activity would have on wildlife and the peace and tranquillity of the lake. Others are concerned about the risk to lives. Balderton Lake has been documented historically as a hazardous and dangerous place to swim, with numerous objections from BPC upon requests of using the lake for other sports activities. The petition has gained nearly 4,000 signatures.

“It's clear that Balderton Parish Council and the YMCA have not properly consulted with the community for these plans, otherwise they wouldn’t be facing such huge opposition,” says Emma Oldham. “Thousands of residents love the lake the way it is. It’s a wildlife hotspot in the middle of a concrete jungle, which is vital for people’s mental health and well-being. Green spaces are being eaten up all over Newark and Balderton. Balderton Lake is also home to protected species including bats, kingfishers and otters. People are keen to keep it that way.” 

“The volume of signatures speaks loud and clear - leave our lake alone,” says Jean Hall. "On behalf of all these people, and for our next generation of residents, Balderton Parish Council needs to make the right decision.” 

Emma will present the petition to Chairman Cllr Mrs Hurst at 6.15 pm at the Balderton Village Centre with the help of children who live by the lake and care passionately about wildlife. 

The wider community plans to support the petition by wearing green clothing and bringing artwork and banners. A giant and famous inflatable swan - well documented throughout SWAN’s projects and events - will be accompanying. 

ENDS

You can see the petition here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ban-boats-on-balderton-s-beauty-spot 

This press release has been published on behalf of Saving Wildlife and Nature (SWAN)