Raise a stink over beloved park (From Bournemouth Echo)

Raise a stink over beloved park

8:00am Friday 23rd July 2010 in

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MY wife, as those who know her will testify, is not one for mincing her words.

While years of being a newspaper editor have helped me develop both finesse and discretion when choosing my words, it has to be said that she is no great loss to the diplomatic corps.

“It’s an absolute disgrace,” she told me the other day, after returning from walking the dog, “and that’s the last time I’m going there until they sort it out.”

She was talking about the state of Poole Park lake and specifically the very unpleasant odour that’s hanging over parts of it (as well as the goose droppings caking her trainers).

She is not alone in her frustration.

Since the latest algae problem in the saltwater lake started, more and more people are turning their noses up at the smell... and the fear is that too many will now turn their noses up at visiting the place.

I have to declare an interest here because I love Poole Park. Both my daughters have grown up with the ducks, geese, miniature railway and play areas close to their hearts and those September days collecting conkers seem like yesterday.

The place is a true gem and one whose refurbishments and additions have added new life to the place.

But if something is not done to eradicate this problem quickly, that gem will very soon start to lose its lustre.