Hoylake Boating Lake set to reopen after extensive clean-up

The much-loved feature on Hoylake promenade had been used by community groups and visitors but has been empty and unusable for a few years.

Thanks to the hard work of Martin Jones, Wirral Council's general parks manager for the north area, supported by local campaigners, Jackie Hall and Lorraine McKinley, community groups and an army of volunteers, the lake has now been repaired and refilled. It was officially reopened on Wednesday (October 4). 

Max Booth, Conservative councillor for Hoylake, Meols and Central West Kirby, has been involved in the project since he was elected in May. He told the Globe:  "The work has been all about bringing this amenity back into use.

"We have a wonderful Victorian promenade steeped in local history and this is a key feature along the way.

Watching the sailing on Hoylake's refurbished boating lake during its relaunch on Wednesday (October 4) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)"It has been useable for many years and has been in disrepair, so it's just great to see boats on the lake, people sitting around and passers-by taking photographs.

"It's just fantastic and a well-loved amenity."

Preparing for sail on Hoylake's refurbished boating lake during its relaunch on Wednesday (October 4) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)"It's been a joint effort, but we couldn't have done it without Martin and his team at the council. They have been just fantastic,"

Among those at the opening was John Bennett, chairman of Hoylake Model Boat Club. He told the Globe: "We've been here for the past 14 years, since the original renovation, and have struggled each time we've had to drain, clean and refill the lake.

John Bennett, chairman of Hoylake Model Boat Club at Hoylake's refurbished boating lake during its relaunch on Wednesday (October 4) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)"We're all of an age, now, where we've struggled to do it; I have terrible mobility issues, and the help that Martin and the council has given us and Jackie, Lorraine and all the groups involved in the work has been absolutely great.

"All we want to do is come here and sail our boats. We keep everywhere tidy and look after the place, which we have done for 14 years, all out of our own pockets really, with a couple of small grants along the way. We've also had donations and little charity days which have helped us raise money.

"Obviously, since Covid when the conditions that led to the lake's state of disrepair started this time, we haven't been able to do that.

John Bennett, chairman of Hoylake Model Boat Club at Hoylake's refurbished boating lake during its relaunch on Wednesday (October 4) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)"It's very hard really, because the money we raised, apart from keeping things right for the club, we also gave to local charities, but since Covid started we haven't been able to raise any money. 

"So the lake's reopening is great because it means we can sale our our boats, raise a little money for the community and keep the place tidy.

"Martin from the council has been an absolute star in all of this, because nothing's phased him.

"He's had an uphill climb and I don't think he realised what he was taking on and he was going to come up against when he took the boating lake project on, but he's dug his heels in and backed us all of the way and done as much as he can for us. I take my hat off to him.

"All I want to do now is get back to sailing my boats."

Left to right: Local campaigner Lorraine McKinley, councillor Max Booth, Martin Jones (Wirral Council), John Bennett (chair of Hoylake Model Boat Club and campaigner Jackie Hall during the reopening of Hoylake boating lake on Wednesday (October 4). (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)Martin said: "I started in the role two years ago, then John Bennett from the model boating club contacted me, asking if I could do anything for the lake.

"Algae and weeds had to be cleared from the lake and we had to wait for permission from United Utilities to do so, Then it was a case of having to empty it and renovate. A contractor was brought in to prepare all of the sides, seal them and paint. The base was in a fair condition. 

Sailing on Hoylake's refurbished boating lake during its relaunch on Wednesday (October 4) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)Sailing on Hoylake's refurbished boating lake during its reopening on Wednesday (October 4) (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)"The work was finished last week and the lake filled up. It was a long task and I didn't think it would be that involved when I agreed to take it on, but I'm glad it's done now."

Local campaigner Jackie had organised a team of 20 volunteers to help sweep out the lake. She told the Globe: "Having looked after the model boating club for 14 years, we're delighted to see it back and looking like it did in 2009. The work has taken a lot of effort, but we're delighted.

"It is now a star on our beach." 

Councillor Liz Grey, chair of Wirral's environment, climate emergency and Transport Committee, said: “This is a much-loved facility, not just for the Hoylake community but for the enthusiasts who come from other parts of the borough to use it.

"Well done to the council officers, volunteers and club members who have worked together to deliver such a complex and painstaking refurbishment of the lake.”

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