Regeneration of lakes in inner cities is at last starting to happen. The lake in Albert Park, Middlesbrough has recently been improved with amazing results. Now work has started on the smaller of the two lakes at Charltons Ponds in Billingham.


Work begins on Charlton Pond
This is an attractive park area surrounded by housing and industry. It has been the dream of many of the local anglers that this lake be restored and after several years in pursuit of this it is at last about to happen.

This lake has been in steep decline over the last few years. It was once very popular with the local kids but the fish stocks have declined dramatically, partially due to the pollution, but mainly due to the damage done by cormorants.

With fewer people fishing due to the decreased fish stocks the lake and the banks have deteriorated, making it even less attractive to fish. If left as it is who knows what condition it would get into.

The main driving force behind this project has been Phil from the Tackle Box, Station Road, Billingham, with the aid of members of the Billingham Fishing Club. In collaboration with the Stockton Borough Council and the Environment Agency it is to be restored.


The EA electro net the resident stock
The program of work is to drain the lake and remove the resident stock of fish, which although healthy are few in numbers. The main surprise on electro netting was the number of small tench, which no one has ever caught of course. In addition a nice 8.5 lb Carp was also captured.

The lake is then to be dredged of the very deep silt, the contamination probably coming from the local chemical plants. The banks will be restored and the lake refilled. The expected completion for all this work to the point at which people will be able to fish again is one year.

This I am sure will enhance this inner city area giving once again a pleasant and appealing venue for the local residents to come and enjoy. It is also sure to draw people back from commercial venues. The season ticket price is the equivalent of two days fishing on most commercial lake complex. I for one will be in line the day it opens.


8.5 lb Carp in the capable hands of Richard Holmes of the Environment Agency

Taking shape

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