TWAPSCOBHAM BOTTOM LAKE PROJECT
During late March 2021 Members were invited to vote on the Committee’s proposal to desilt the Bottom Lake at Cobham.
As well as desilting, the proposal included the removal of the sunken tree stumps and clay puddling of the banks as necessary.
A large investment is required for such a major piece of work, and quotations from professional companies were obtained.
Once the project had been costed (including the most competitive quote obtained by the Committee) Members were given the opportunity to vote whether or not to proceed with the project.
The results and submitted comments are shown below.
Voting closed on Sunday 28th March at 10pm.
The results of the vote
The total number of votes cast: 125
Number for: 97 (77.60%)
Number against: 28 (22.40%)
Submitted Comments
During the voting process Members were asked to submit any comments along with their vote. All the submitted comments are shown below, verbatim and anonymously:
Comments In Favour
- It’s a large amount but if we want the work done we need to pay, thank you for all your hard work as a committee getting this sorted out.
- I’ve always fish the bottom lake as l love to catch tench and smaller carp on my float rod. I am worried that the carp fishermen will gang up and vote against it and want the money spent on the bigger lakes for restocking. The bottom lake forms part of the history of Repton ponds. Do you know how long the lease would be for if the work went ahead. Thanks to all of the committee for all of their hard work.
- Will there be any fishing restrictions on the other 2 lakes during the works?
- I think it will ease the load on the top lake, as many of us that used to fish the bottom lake now fish the top lake.
- I would love to see the pond open again and hope to fish it
- I like fishing bottom lake on light gear its fun.
- There is no proposal for any alternative. It would be reasonable to know what the consequences of not doing the work would be.
- Cobham is a beautiful little place to fish. If it will help with the fish, wildlife and the look of the area then it’s a yes from me
- Obviously is a lot of money but was a lovely especially with bream and carp and good stock of ide. If funds permit then yes we should proceed.
- It’s a shame to see it as it is.
- Would make a nice quiet venue for float anglers like me.
- Great idea can’t wait to see it up and running rather than a green weedy pond. I hope the majority support the project.
Have any decisions been made about what the new stocking will be once work is completed. - We need this lake as there is limited swims on Camponile and it is hard for me and many others to fish the blue lake so it does not leave us with a lot of options.
- Not everybody wants fish for carp this pond has been out of action for far to long.
- Cobham is a cracking venue and the middle and bottom lakes are great for those of us that want some simple Pole and light tackle fishing to catch smaller species and carp up to a few pound of so. I personally have little interest in the larger Carp fishing game, each to their own of course, but I would be disappointed to see the bottom lake not be sorted out. Thanks for listening to the views of your members.
- Yes, unless another water could be found to replace Cobham.
- The Cobham fishery has been a poorer venue since the bottom lake was closed. It will be a better balanced venue by re-opening the bottom lake & members need to appreciate that a project of this nature will be expensive but will be money well spent.
- Tricky one this, Yes I would like to see the bottom lake repaired, BUT how long do we have left on our lease? I would hate to think we spend the money then told 3 years later to vacate. What ever the committee decides suits me.
- It is important that we keep the improvements moving, even in these times. This will also take the pressure off the top lake.
- Yes I am in favour of the project, it might also help relieve some of the strain on the top lake, it would certainly add options
- My only concern is the cost of the work, will you be obtaining a second quotation?
- Make bottom lake and middle lake into one. Would be nice some toilet facilities.
- This lake has been a an eye sore for the last 3 years since I joined, at last hopefully something will get moving I do agree with a post I read on the clubs Facebook about making the middle & bottom lake into one, this I think would make a much better lake to fish?
- It’s my favourite water of the club.
- Voted yes but not 100% sure as have no idea how long we will be able to fish Cobham.
Comments Against
- Think money could be spent on other stuff, could we not have fish removed put in the other lakes then do the work on bottom lakes bits at a time and see if there is stuff that us members could do to cut the cost,do not know if that would be possible.
- I feel that this is of great expense but limited return due to the size of the water. I feel that it would be better spent on securing other waters.
- I personally do not feel that the money would be better spent investing in a new water, I feel we currently have far more anglers than swims.
- Sorry but as the bottom lake has been left to long now and so much work just for such a small lake the money would be best spent on our top lake and any other lake improvements.
- I think the money would be better spent on the other lakes for new stock etc. as that would be a lot of money to spend on a little pond when the other lakes are in need.
- I think the money would be better spent desilting and re-stocking the top lake.
- Spend the money on the two remaining lakes at Cobham.
- Too expensive.
- I think the money would be much better spent at other venues
- I believe the money could be used better else where in the other lakes on the TWAPS tickets rather than Cobham.
- I feel this project has gone on for far too long now, granted that corona has not helped but I do feel that this money would be better used to improve on the other lakes that we have.
- I feel the top and middle lakes could desperately do with some work before the bottom.
- Good evening, In my opinion the funds would be better spent restocking the other lakes and ponds.. Kind regards #######.
- Money would be better spent on improving the middle and top lake.
- Money could be used better elsewhere. Lots of work needed at inn on the lake i.e. fallen trees left in water and swims just closed off because of it.
- Money could be better spent on top lake or reducing weed from the inn.
- I wold rather money be spent on improving the top lake.
Consideration should be given to the public and other Members present at all times.