‘LEAVE OUR LAKE ALONE’ SING RESIDENTS AT THEIR THIRD PROTEST CALLING ON YMCA TO KEEP WATERSPORTS OFF BALDERTON LAKE
Newark and Balderton residents are calling on YMCA to rethink their watersports plans for Balderton Lake to help protect local and endangered wildlife. On Sunday 22 May, families and campaigners united outside YMCA’s new activity centre, peacefully protesting to oppose YMCA’s plans. United by the colour green, around 100 residents raised awareness of the significant amount of green space lost in their hometown over the last decade. Encompassed by building sites all around them, the first speech given by Emma Oldham pointed out that all of the green space that not long ago surrounded them - once home to wildflowers, bees and butterflies - was now taken over by concrete and buildings. “It’s absolutely clear we are fed up with losing our green spaces,” said Emma Oldham, addressing the community. “Balderton Lake is one of the last wild refuges we have left.”
Residents are concerned by the large group sizes of 16 boats (plus staff) occupying an area of the lake that comes in very close contact with an island providing crucial habitat for nesting birds. Watersports could cause significant disturbance to the birds during the breeding season, resulting in them abandoning their nests altogether. With no local sites for these species to relocate to, it could result in Newark losing its stronghold of bird species.
Children blew bubbles, faces were painted with green leaves and chants were sung including “Leave our lake alone”, “Save our swans”, “Green spaces mean happy faces” and “What do we want? A whole lotta otter. What do we need? More grebes!”
“It was wonderful seeing so many protesters, from toddlers to seniors, all wearing green, blowing bubbles, singing and chanting,” said Jenni Harding, a local resident. “Just because a huge sports amenity has been built by YMCA and the local council, they should take into account residents' views and concerns, when expanding something that isn't even finished yet. The kayaking proposal on Balderton’s Lake is unnecessary and is likely to be dangerous. It also isn't needed, especially when the Sea Scouts have the same water sports offering on the Trent nearby at Farndon.”
Over four months of campaigning - including two protests, hundreds of meeting attendees and emails sent, alongside a petition surpassing over 3,000 signatures, has been ignored by both Balderton Parish Council and the YMCA. Residents felt they had to up their presence with their third peaceful protest to get their concerns across.
“Balderton Parishioners are desperate to be listened to. So far they’ve received very little dialogue and poor consultation,” said Emma Oldham, one of the protest organisers. “Both the YMCA and Balderton Parish Council have a lot to answer for, leasing the lake to the YMCA for just £10,000 for a decade of use. Where was the consultation?”
