Queen's Park pond viewing platform 'at end of life'

The wooden platform in Queen’s Park pond has reached the end of its life after surveys found it had become “unsafe”. 

Green ward councillor Alasdair Keddie said he and other ward councillors have been working to reform the Queen’s Park and Charminster Neighbourhood Forum to seek potential funding. 

CLOSED: Queen's Park pond viewing platform is at the end of its life (Image: Daily Echo)

He said: “I met with council officers who put together a number of options for installing a new platform with improved access.  

“However, with the current economic challenges, it is not possible to fund the replacement at this time.” 

Cllr Keddie added: “Other important restoration work will be carried out later this year to improve the pond habitat and resolve some of the key issues that caused low water levels over the summer. 

“Wildlife continues to thrive at the pond with a rare damsel fly species being recorded earlier this month.  We will continue to work hard to ensure the pond remains a valued feature of the park.” 

He added the pond brings “a lot of joy to park users, including my family and I, who are regular visitors”. 

Ward councillor Alasdair Keddie (Image: Alasdair Keddie)

(Image: Daily Echo)

Cllr Keddie added: “If any residents have concerns about this or other issues in the ward, please get in touch: alasdair.keddie@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.” 

A sign attached to the fence at the platform says: "Unfortunately, the platform has come to the end of its life and for safety reasons must be closed off.

"We are looking at options for its replacement so that it will again be possible to take a closer look at life on the pond."

The viewing platform is not the only thing fenced off in Queen’s Park: the children’s playground is currently out of use because of health and safety concerns. 

And like the pond viewing platform, BCP Council said it can be fixed but only when the correct funding is found. 

Sandra Moore, cabinet member for communities and partnerships at BCP Council, said: “Recent surveys of a pond viewing platform at Queen’s Park have indicated it’s approaching the end of its lifespan and requires maintenance, so access is being restricted for public safety reasons. 

“The council has previously facilitated repairs to this platform, but in this challenging economic climate we must prioritise statutory services.  

“However, we are considering the feasibility of this project ahead of potential future restoration.”