A ROW has broken out after it emerged Canvey lake has still not been dredged- seven years after the idea was first put forward.

Plans to dredge the lake, create a children's play area, and add bridges were first discussed by Canvey Town Council back in 2009, with then-chairman Nick Harvey claiming his vision would look "fantastic."

David Manclark, who is standing as a Tory borough council candidate in the island's North ward, has accused the town council of misleading residents into thinking an application for £800,000 cash had been lodged with the Environment Agency.

However, John Anderson, Canvey town councillor and chairman of the lake committee, insists the town council remained both “open and transparent" about the lack of money available for the work.

Mr Manclark believes devastating floods in August 2013 and July 2014 , which destroyed homes on the island, could have been avoided if the dredging had taken place as planned.

He said: "The very serious issue that arises from this is that had they have applied for this funding in 2009 and dredged the lake, would the subsequent floodings on the island have been as serious.

“When you look at Mr Harvey’s comments, I presume them to make it clear the council were intent on applying for the money. To find that the agency has no record of this, makes me think the island has been deliberately misled.”

Mr Anderson has accused Mr Manclark of getting political ahead of the local elections in May.

He said: “I think Nick Harvey’s comments come from him not being involved in the lake committee so he didn’t know all of the specific details.

“This has ultimately become political with the May elections around the corner. The figure quoted at the time was an estimated for dredging work, a new play area, bridges and rubbish bins. We’ve made it clear we’ve never applied to the Environment Agency for the money, nor did we promise we would either.

“We’ve been quoted around £250,000 for basic dredging to be carried out, and unfortunately we just don’t have the money available for this. The town council has done tremendous work since it took over the management of the lake, and made it a nice area for families to come down and visit.”

 

VETERAN councillor Ray Howard believes the town council would have faced a "huge task" coordinating work on Canvey lake even if funding had been secured.

The borough and town councillor, who is a member of the lake committee, believes the dredging could take place in the future as part of a flood prevention scheme.

He said: “There are a host of issues would have to be addressed before any work can be carried out.

“Masses of lorries would be required to come down, there would also be a very unpleasant odour as a result of the work. We are all united in wanting a solution for the lake, as it has been identified as a water storage place for flood purposes. A number of agencies are still trying to appeal for £24million of funding to combat Canvey’s flood risk. Under that estimated figure, I believe dredging of the lake is something that would be covered.”

“This figure is way outside of the town council’s precept and they do a fantastic job of managing the lake.”

A spokesman for the town council saiud the authority is committed to enhancing the lake, and that it is partway through a five-year maintenance programme.