A NEW aerator, which some say looks like a fountain, has been installed to help stabilise oxygen levels in Portishead Lake.

Last year, dozens of fish, eels and other wildlife died when toxic green algae impacted oxygen levels. There was an ultrasonic algae control machine in the lake, however this was targeted by vandals who wanted the valuable metals inside the machine.

The installation of the aerator will hopefully ensure that occurrences like this don't happen in the future.

During work to install the pump, it was found that the ultrasound device in the lake had been vandalised once again. This is the second time it has been damaged in the last six months.

Vandalising this isn't an easy feat, considering that it sits under a solar panel on an island in the middle of the lake.

The council’s investment in Portishead Lake Grounds is part of its £700,000 'Great Lakes' project which also involves work to revitalise the coastal lakes at Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare.

The council are working in partnership with Portishead Town Council to deliver a shared vision for the grounds. It is hoped that the changes would make the lake and the surrounding area attractive to visitors of all ages, as well as promoting safety and biodiversity. 

A consultation was launched in 2021 to allow residents to have their say on what changes they would like to see made to Portishead Lake Grounds.

Priorities to the local community for investment were:

  • dredging the lake.
  • improving toilet facilities.
  • improving the play area.
  • rewilding part of the lake.
  • family fun facilities.
  • new restaurant with views.
  • replace café/restaurant.
  • add biodiversity.
  • improve seating and shelters.
  • more/different food concessions.
  • add quiet areas.
  • improve accessibility.
  • introduce colourful plants.

Speaking in April 2022, councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: “Thanks to those who took part in the consultation last year – it helped us find out more about what people thought of the park. We’ve allocated funding based on the highest priorities, so we’re making sure the money is invested in ways supported by the community.

“I look forward to seeing the plans being realised over the coming months to improve this much-loved popular facility.”