OFFICIAL STATEMENT - Canvey Lake

OFFICIAL STATEMENT - CANVEY LAKE 

Canvey Island Town Council have been working closely with multiple organisations, including the Environment Agency, DEFRA and CEFAS, regarding the number of issues that Canvey Lake has experienced this year.

Whilst the Town Council does take the responsibility of the lake, along with the wildlife, seriously, the impact of the environmental issues there have made this an arduous task. The low water level has exacerbated the poor water quality, which is difficult to control due to Canvey Lake being used by the Environment Agency to assist with flooding issues and the repository for water taken from the storm drains. Canvey Lake contains extremely high silt levels, the removal of the silt has previously been investigated both in 2012 and lastly in 2017 by a multi-agency group run by Castle Point Borough Council including all relevant agencies involved in the lake, and due to the unachievable costs involved in this task, and that it would reoccur due to the nature of the lake it was not deemed a viable option.

It is distressing to see the effect this has had to the fish and wildfowl and whilst we do have contractors there daily to remove the deceased animals, we are battling with the constantly   emerging numbers which are due to the dead animals inflating with gases and rising to the surface. The animals that are removed must be disposed of by an approved method for disposal of Category 2 animal-by-product waste to ensure it complies with local Environmental Health department regulations.

Each year the Town Council makes important decisions regarding how the precept that has been paid by residents of Canvey Island is used. Just above 1% of the amount of council tax each household pays is received by the Town Council, this equates to £21.87 annually for a Band D property. From this money the Town Council allocates nearly 15% (£38,220) to the maintenance and running of Canvey Lake. In this financial year the Town Council have already allocated £31,515 to the maintenance of Canvey Lake. The Town Council are transparent with how it manages its finances, and our budgets are available to be viewed on our website. Further information regarding our finances can be requested by any resident.

The Town Council will continue to work on the issues faced daily and is endeavouring to find a long-term resolution. The Town Council are thankful for the strong community spirit that has once again been displayed by the residents of Canvey Island and hope that Canvey Lake will be able to return to the wildlife facility we are so fortunate to have in an urban area.