Work to restore Grove Park's empty pond and fountain in Weston began on 26 October: a new liner and pump, paid for by two councils and the Civic Society.

Work to bring the pond and fountain in Grove Park back to life started on Monday 26 October. The ornamental pond in Weston-super-Mare’s town centre park has stood empty, with leaves and rainwater in the basin.

North Somerset Council announced the start of the work the same day (North Somerset Council, 26 October). A local firm, LPMG Contracting, is doing the job.

What the work includes

The council lists four parts to the restoration:

  • removing the old pond liner and fitting a new flexible lining
  • taking out the existing fountain pump chamber
  • installing a replacement pump in a new position, with an updated water intake
  • restoring the fountain

The council has not said how long the work will take or when the fountain will run again.

Who is paying

Three organisations are sharing the cost:

  • North Somerset Council, which owns the park and is overseeing the work
  • Weston-super-Mare Town Council
  • Weston-super-Mare Civic Society

None of them has published the cost or each one’s share. The Civic Society announced its support on its own website. It said the three would also keep working together to maintain the pond once it is finished.

Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, deputy leader of the town council, gave the society the credit. “Without their practical and funding help this restoration of Grove Park pond would not be taking place,” he said.

John Martel, chair of the Civic Society, called the park “a jewel in Weston-super-Mare’s crown”.

Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for sustainable places and the local ward councillor, said the pond was “the cherry on top of the cake” after the council’s wider work on the park.

The rest of Grove Park

The pond is the latest piece of a larger makeover. The council’s Grove Park project page lists a redesigned main entrance, new planting and seating, resurfacing and the removal of the old toilet block. The park cafe reopened this year, and we reported the new 15-year lease.

Grove Park dates from the late 19th century and sits about 250 metres from the seafront. It has a Grade II listed octagonal bandstand, rock gardens and the Jill Dando memorial garden.

Grove Park is also one of the Weston parks on the council’s list for possible transfer to the town council. We set out which parks and play areas could change hands in September.

What it means for you

  • Expect contractors around the pond while the work goes on. The council has not announced any wider closure of the park.
  • Updates will be posted on the council’s Nature and Climate Facebook page, according to the council.
  • The Civic Society’s next talk is on Monday 9 November at 7.30pm at Weston Museum. It is about Harry Brown, the council engineer behind the Marine Lake and the Winter Gardens (Weston-super-Mare Civic Society).

Sources