Calls for city's nature reserve to be maintained

A motion calling for the long-term maintenance of a city's nature reserve will be debated by councillors on Thursday.

John Fox, a Peterborough First Councillor for Werrington on Peterborough City Council, submitted a motion urging the authority to take action at Cuckoo's Hollow, claiming that the area could be a flooding risk.

The green space in Werrington serves as a drainage basin for surface water from Werrington Brook, Paston Brook and Marholm Brook, and is also a habitat for wildlife.

In his motion, Fox described the site as the "jewel in the crown of Werrington", but argued previous investment was being undermined because regular maintenance had not taken place for years.

Two footbridges at the nature reserve in Werrington were repaired last year [Paul Bryan/ Geograph]

Fox said increasing reed growth and silt build-up could reduce the lake's capacity to store water, which raises concerns about flooding in the future.

The motion highlights that the area was improved in 2016 with the support of £86,000 restoration project.

It also pointed to further investment in tree planting, benches and improved walking and cycling routes.

Last year, Peterborough City Council replaced two of the three unsafe footbridges at Cuckoo's Hollow after concerns they were "at risk of collapse".

The city council said it would continue to look at options to replace the third bridge at Welbourne, which has been removed but not yet replaced, due to rising costs.

Among the proposals, Fox has called on the council to establish a working group involving councillors, officers and residents, and carry out a site visit with local representatives to identify maintenance priorities.

Peterborough City Council said the motion would be discussed at a full council meeting on Thursday.

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