A large-scale maintenance programme has begun at Bottesford Beck, in the southern part of Scunthorpe Borough.
The Environment Agency began last week grass cutting along the adjacent footpath, and removing in-channel vegetation and weeds. The state of the beck and bridleway had been criticised in late summer by residents and a ward councillor.
North Lincolnshire Council has announced the works and confirmed a next phase focus in 2025. Holme Lane to Messingham Road area of the beck will be the centre of attention next year.
Labour Ashby Lakeside Ward councillors have welcomed the works to address “the shocking decline” of the beck. But they are not happy with the scope of the planned second phase, and want it to be far wider.
The Environment Agency’s works this autumn involve grass cutting between Holme Hall Golf Club to Holme Lane bridge, and opening up the area for the machinery needed to carry out work in the channel. Tree works will also be carried out, with trees that pose a risk to travel identified.
All activities are being done to manage flood risk locally. Local people and groups will also be appealed to, to help with measures to increase biodiversity and improve wildlife habitats, such as placing bird boxes.
(Image: Cllr Max Bell)
North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham said: “We are very lucky to have places like Bottesford Beck right on our doorsteps. This work from the Environment Agency comes just after we have resurfaced part of the footpath along the Beck to make it easier for everyone to enjoy.”
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban), added: “As a local resident I know the difference this work will make, not just to the appearance of the Beck, but to its accessibility to visitors and its sustainable future. Working with our own teams, our partners and local residents we are making sure Bottesford Beck remains a beautiful, diverse and well-maintained habitat.”
A section of the beck was called “neglected” in recent criticism by residents of its lack of maintenance. Ashby Lakeside Cllrs Max Bell and Judith Matthews said: “After our campaign as Ward Councillors, working alongside local residents and the excellent Friends of Bottesford Beck community group – we are very pleased to see that work to help reverse the shocking decline of Bottesford Beck, has finally been scheduled.
“We strongly believe that we need a far wider area for the Planned Phase Two improvements however, the stretch between Holme Lane and Messingham Road will only scratch the surface. The stretch of the Bottesford Beck between the paths to Redwood Court to Lakeside Parkway, is in the worst state and needs far greater support to return it to its previous good condition.”
In future months, reed cutting and removing vegetation from the beck will occur, using specialist equipment. Footpaths will remain open, but there will be temporary manned barriers. An Environment Agency spokesperson explained more: “Whilst health and safety is paramount to us, we don’t want to stop access to the footpath for long periods of time, with this in mind we will be setting up manned temporary barriers to ensure members of the public are kept safe.
“Our operatives may ask you to wait for a short period of time until they can allow you through the working area safely, we thank you for your understating and patience whilst this work is taking place.”
At a council meeting in September, it was confirmed tree coppicing was due at the beck this month. Cllr Bell also expressed interest in making part of it a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), which could unlock DEFRA funding.
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Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
