RESIDENTS living near Horsham’s city garden wetlands have called on Horsham council to address issues in the area.
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A petition of 20 signatures, presented to the council at Monday night’s meeting, called for action in relation to the water level, weeds and odours in the wetlands located within Market Lane, Madden Street and Rushbrook Close.
The residents said the wetlands had required little maintenance since it was constructed in 2003. However, they felt it was overdue for slushing and cleaning.
“The pond is now all but empty and is full of an invasive and unsightly weed that detracts from its purpose when fully functional. As the water level declines, it is also becoming contaminated with algae,” the petition said.
“In recent days a faint odour has been detectable, which will most probably get worse as the water recedes.”
The council’s technical services director John Martin said the residents’ primary concern was the low water level due to a leak in the weir.
He said two attempts were made to repair the damage, but the extent of the leak proved larger than expected and required partial re-construction of the weir. The work was largely completed in January.
Mr Martin said the low water level had caused the secondary issues. However, he said the weed in the wetland was a desirable native species.
“The weed, when combined with the algae that adheres to the plant, helps keep the water in the wetland relatively clear. The odour is most likely associated with die-off of some of the exposed ribbon weed,” he said.
The council agreed that Mr Martin and Mayor Pam Clarke would meet with city garden residents to hear their views.
Cr Clarke said she had spoken to residents to gain an understanding of the problem. She said residents believed if the wetlands were drained to remove the carp and clean the pond, the water quality would improve.
Cr David Grimble said he had observed the quality of water and said work needed to be done.