Southport’s Marine Lake is the biggest manmade saltwater lake in Britain and contains over 40 million gallons of rain-diluted seawater, but, unfortunately, it has no flow to encourage scouring and self-cleaning. The annual drain and refill method through the sluice gates merely changes only part of its contents. There is even a problem with the drain pump which is set too high and impedes full emptying.
Poor regular cleaning has created the knock-on effect that has currently culminated in the deaths of many swans after the failed cleanup attempt exposed large amounts of rubbish and filth. These scenes even reached our television screens on a recent BBC Look North West programme. For Sefton Council to say “the lake is cleaned regularly” has got to be a gross exaggeration that appears to border on a cover-up.                                     ------------------------
The size of the Marine Lake requires the regular use of its own mini dredger (possibly hired), and like the maintenance of the Forth Bridge, needs constant work to keep it in good order throughout the year.
Dredging and lake skimming need to be constantly carried out and zoned well away from the wildlife which could be supervised with the advice of the RSPB during operations. They may suggest that while north of the pier is being dredged, perhaps temporary netting could be slung across the legs of the pier after the birds have been corralled at the southern end of the lake. Understandably some would fly back to the northern end but most of them could be kept well away from the cleaning operation.
The Southport Party supports the idea of using a mini dredger because it avoids draining the lake and keeps muddy deposits well diluted. The dredging could be used to extend the islands but any dumping must be well controlled to protect the birds. A self-cleaning flow should be considered by creating a gentle, crescented and stepped waterfall at the southern end where water can be pumped to its northern end, thus creating an impressive 30 feet high water spout. Such systems work well in other parts of the world (see photograph), not only as an attractive feature but also to oxygenate the water and combat any possible stagnation.
The Southport Party’s Consultation Fee – NIL