- Public consultation begins today on urgent proposals to prohibit swimming and entering the water
- The proposed PSPO aims to tackle ongoing safety concerns following repeated incidents of people entering the lake
- Have your say by 22 July
Tamworth Borough Council has launched an urgent consultation for people to have their say on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that would prohibit swimming and entering the water and antisocial behaviour at Borrowpit Lake.
The consultation opens today, giving members of the public, local schools, partner organisations, and ward members the opportunity to provide their views before any final decision is made.
The proposal follows ongoing concerns about antisocial behaviour in the vicinity of the lake and people continuing to enter the water despite warning signs, water safety campaigns and communications highlighting the dangers of open water.
Borrowpit Lake presents a number of significant risks, including cold water shock, hidden underwater hazards, sudden changes in depth, steep banks and entanglement risks. These dangers can lead to serious injury or drowning, even during warm weather.
The council is proposing the PSPO so any measures can be implemented during the peak summer period.
The proposed order forms part of the council's wider commitment to improving public safety and reducing the risk of a serious incident occurring at the lake.
Councillor Andrew Wells, portfolio holder for cooperative council, community partnerships and ASB for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “The safety of our residents and visitors is our absolute priority. We’ve seen a recent increase in antisocial behaviour around the lake and we continue to see people entering Borrowpit Lake despite repeated warnings about the very real dangers.
"Even on the warmest days, cold water shock, hidden hazards and sudden drops in depth can have devastating consequences. We do not want to wait until a tragedy occurs before taking further action.
"This consultation gives the opportunity to share views on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order. Our aim is prevention, not enforcement. We want to take every reasonable step to protect people, particularly during the busy summer holiday period when more children and young people are likely to visit the lake.”
Email your representations using Borrowpit Lake as the email title to: communitysafety@tamworth.gov.uk or provide your feedback in person at Marmion House front reception by Wednesday 22 July, after which responses will be reviewed before a decision is made on whether to introduce the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order.