Temporary closures planned for maintenance of Weston’s Marine Lake

North Somerset Council’s seafront team is planning a series of short temporary closures of Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare over the coming months. This will enable regular maintenance to be carried out on the two sluice gates, which require frequent checks to ensure effective operation.

The temporary closures are provisionally planned to take place on the following dates, which have all been scheduled outside of school holidays:

1. Lake due to close at 8am on Monday 10 February and reopen at 9am on Thursday 13 February
2. Lake due to close at 8am on Monday 3 March and reopen at 9am on Wednesday 5 March
3. Lake due to close at 8am on Wednesday 26 March and reopen at 9am on Friday 28 March
4. Lake due to close at 8am on Monday 28 April and reopen at 9am on Thursday 1 May
5. Lake due to close at 8am on Tuesday 24 June and reopen at 9am Thursday 26 June
6. Lake due to close at 8am on Monday 14 July and reopen at 9am on Wednesday 16 July

During these closures, the seafront team plans to:

• Open the sluice gates
• Empty the lake
• Carry out a full visual inspection of the sluice gates, including checking the newly installed upgraded parts
• Carry out routine maintenance, including greasing and removing debris
• Allow water into the lake during a small number of overtopping tides to allow the natural flushing of silt out of the lake. This will enable assessment of the effectiveness of the sluice gates and levels of silt in the lake
• Close the sluice gates in time for two overtopping tides to replenish water levels in the lake.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member responsible for seafronts, said: “We’re determined to make sure that our investment in the Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare pays off. That includes a programme of regular planned maintenance by our seafront rangers, including frequent checks of the sluice gates.

“Future plans include improving walkways, steps and ramps, and other enhancements of the area including upgrading and re-opening the public toilets. This work is due to be completed by the end of March 2026. People will be able to find out more in a planning application, which is due to be submitted soon.”

The council continues to work closely with the Weston Marine Lake Mudlarks, a group of volunteers who assist with the management of the lake.

Neil Champs, one of the directors of the Mudlarks, said: "We’re extremely pleased that the council remains committed to not only maintaining but regenerating Marine Lake as a key attraction in the town. If anyone would like to know more, or volunteer, please look at our website www.westonmarinelake.co.uk.”

Lake users are encouraged to keep up to date with news and updates by following the Weston Seafront Facebook page (www.facebook.com/westonseafront).