Dear Sir,
It appears that some on Great Aycliffe Town Council are under the impression that the Friends of West Park group has differing views on the issue of the Lakes. We wish to dispel this by making abundantly clear the policy of the Friends on the BOATING lakes . . .
It is not the intention of the Friends Group to discourage Swans, Ducks and Geese, they are welcome as are small fish, but we don’t want dirty green water covered in weed.
The long term aim of the group is to clear and clean the lakes out, refill with fresh water and put boats back on the lakes for recreational purposes. We have many ponds around Newton Aycliffe suitable for wildlife and pond life, so hands off our BOATING LAKES Park which we want to be used for picnics people and recreation.
The lakes are only a small part of the plans which we hope to develop in West Park, but they are important.  As a voluntary community group we intend to apply for funding for new play equipment to supplement that already in place, we are hoping to plant flora and fauna to encourage butterflies and birds, extra seating and a viewing area to overlook our pristine recreational lake.
How can you help?
We need your support to keep our park beautiful, help us by picking up litter, come along to our meetings to tell us your ideas, lobby your local and county councillors to support our work and above all remember we get the town we deserve.
Ken Robson Chairman and Spokesman,
Friends of West Park voluntary group.