Bottesford Beck stretch at Ashby is being 'neglected', locals claim
Concerns have been raised over the "neglected" state of Bottesford Beck but the council says the waterway is at "the forefront" of its efforts to preserve and improve green spaces in North Lincolnshire.
The beck stretches from near British Steel's Scunthorpe site to the River Trent, opposite West Butterwick, and there are claims that a stretch of the waterway has become "unsightly", with overgrown plants and shrubbery going onto an adjacent bridleway, while reeds have grown "ten foot high".
Significant action to improve the section, which covers the area from Ashby Lakeside to Holme Lane's crossing of the waterway, is now being called for.
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Cllr Max Bell raised the topic to Scunthorpe Live, having seen for himself the issues along the stretch as he walked along with resident Michael McGrory and Friends Of Bottesford Beck member John Jackson.
Photos show overhanging branches, nettles encroaching onto the path, litter and a trolley in the water, along with dense vegetation between the beck and bridleway. "It must be ten foot high, you can't see the beck, it's just overgrown with the weeds," said Mr McGrory.
He said the verge was "starting to give way near the beck, but you wouldn't know because of the reeds level". Meanwhile, Mr Jackson shared the safety concern, claiming that the plant growth is so dense, people would not know there is a waterway.
"It's unsightly, it's not a pleasure to go down there anymore. You used to be able to see the edge of the river bank and see wildlife there." He mentioned kingfishers and egrets as being previously seen. Because it was so full of reeds and plants, Mr Jackson claimed the beck was increasingly like "a swamp" and described the waterway and path along Ashby Lakeside area as "neglected".
Mr McGrory said, during the Covid lockdowns in 2020/2021, the route was popular for people going for their daily walk. "It's a well-used path, but it's not getting maintained."
"It needs a proper job with specialist machinery," he added. Both residents raised the issue of overhanging branches for horse riders. "We used to have quite a number of horses and riders," said Mr Jackson, who believed its use had declined due to the overgrown shrubbery. "They know they can't get under the actual trees because they're all overhanging," added Mr McGrory.
Friends of Bottesford Beck carry out their own maintenance on a monthly basis, including with equipment to fish out litter. But Mr Jackson stated its membership was not young and could not address the wider problem.
In response to the concerns, a council spokesperson said: "North Lincolnshire Council is committed to preserving and improving all our green spaces, and Bottesford Beck has always been at the forefront of these efforts.
"It is a beautiful area that is much loved and well used by residents and visitors alike and we have a regular programme of works dedicated to its upkeep. The latest of these will take place later this month when the bridleway is being resurfaced to help counteract waterlogging in bad weather.
"We carry out weekly checks, and grass cutting every six weeks throughout the summer. Areas with wildflowers are cut once they have seeded and trees are coppiced on a ten-year rotation. The next cut is due to start in October. The reeds and other growth provides a diverse range of habitats for wildlife such as water voles, invertebrates, fish and wetland birds.
"Road surface water flows into the Beck and when there are periods of heavy rain the Beck will naturally swell. The council have installed underground pipes to alleviate this and the Environment Agency have carried out de-silting work.
"The Beck receives a reed cut every three years; the last cut was in 2022. This is the responsibility of the Environment Agency. We have not received any reports of pollution. If we did this would also be referred to the Environment Agency."
In response to claims a section of the beck is not regularly maintained, a council spokesperson said: "Our management and operational plans are for the Beck in its entirety."
The topic of nature reserves in North Lincolnshire will be discussed at a council places scrutiny panel meeting on September 25.