Plans to build a large pond in Dolerw Park have been quashed by the organisation that manages Newtown’s green spaces.
It was suggested at a recent Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council meeting that councillors could discuss the “possibility of building a large pond in Dolerw Park at some point in the future and if agreed to look for funding”.
The minutes from the meeting held on June 10 added that “this would have to be in conjunction with Open Newtown who have a sub-lease over the area concerned”.
Open Newtown manages 130 acres of green spaces in the town including Dolerw Park. The organisation’s 99-year lease on the land from Powys County Council and Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council includes maintenance of the park lands.
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"Firstly let us clear that matter up,” Open Newtown said. “There are no plans to introduce a 'pond' or other water catchment on Dolerw Park."
The 25-acre Dolerw Park, located between the River Severn and Milford Road, is a designated flood plain area and has been impacted by drainage issues.
“We do expect to see flooding from time to time, especially as we've received the highest rainfall this last 18 months, since records began,” Open Newtown added.
“We have been waiting for the land to dry out around the Gorsedd Stones, so that we may introduce some drainage in the area, to divert water away from stones and pathway.
“In a town council meeting someone asked if it's possible to introduce a pond to capture the water, but in this instance, we don't believe this is a viable solution.
“We do plan to replace the surface of the pathway from the Milford Road entrance ASAP, once the drainage works around the Gorsedd Stones have been completed.”
Open Newtown added that its priority remains the drainage issues in Dolerw Park and recommends that all pedestrians use the Plas Dolerw entrance if the park area is in flood.
For those with mobility challenges and wheelchair requirements, people are asked to use the less steep inclines to access Dolerw Park, such as Plas Dolerw, Dolerw Park Drive and Dolerw footbridge.
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