The Friends of James Steel Park, working in partnership with local councillors, has arranged for surveys to be conducted of Pattinson South Pond in James Steel Park with a view to identifying the sources of pollution in the pond. The pond is located in James Steel Park between Shepherd Way and Staithes Road in Fatfield, Washington, and is blighted by pollution.
Dr. Ian Griffin of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (Consulting) Ltd will be carrying out the surveys to identify any potential pollution sources to the pond and to provide recommendations to help restore and enhance the pond for biodiversity and the enjoyment of local people.
Jonathan Wells, Chairman of The Friends of James Steel Park, commented: “The unloved pond has been neglected for some time by Sunderland City Council, and we hope that the surveys by WWT Consulting will highlight the cause of the pollution and identify a resolution to them.
“The pond has the potential to become a haven of tranquillity, and it would be wonderful to see this part of the park restored so families and wildlife can enjoy it for generations to come.”
Cllr Ian Cuthbert, Parliamentary Candidate for Washington and Sunderland West added: “Last Spring a pair of swans started nesting on the pond but abandoned the pond before any cygnets were born. The swan’s feathers were getting covered in the pollution from the pond and I’d be surprised if this was not a contributory cause to the swans abandoning their nest.
“The pollution in the pond has been getting significantly worse over the last few years and I have been working with Council Officers for some time on this, but unfortunately budgetary pressures have not allowed the Council to properly investigate the pollution. I assisted The Friends of James Steel Park in sourcing funding for the surveys and I’m confident the Council will act on their findings.
“All three of Washington East’s councillors are resolute in their determination that this pond is cleaned up so the biodiversity of the pond can be enhanced, and local people can enjoy the park to its full potential.”
