Redcar Model Boat Club Turns to Car Racing Amid Persistent Lake Drainage Issues

A model boat club has been compelled to exchange its water-based vessels for radio-controlled cars due to consistently low water levels at the lake it utilizes. The boating lake, located in Newcomen Terrace in Coatham, Redcar, has been devoid of water since September, following its draining and cleaning. Members of the Redcar Model Boat Club reported that low water levels have been an issue for approximately three years, effectively stopping the club “in its tracks.” Redcar and Cleveland Council stated that recent repairs to the lake proved ineffective and that further work would be undertaken. The lake, constructed in the 1930s, was historically replenished with seawater via a pump during spring tides. The problems have been attributed to a leak, though members of the boat club have claimed that the pump is at fault. Council leader Alec Brown indicated that plans are being developed to purchase a new electric pump, despite the belief that this is not the core issue. He added that previous repairs, including crack filling and cleaning, had not resolved the problem. “Following further investigations, more cracks have been identified and further repairs will be made,” he said. Dale Patterson, the club’s treasurer, noted that these issues make it challenging to attract new members. “It obviously stops the club in its tracks,” he said, adding: “We can’t sail.” He continued, “It makes it hard work and takes the shine off what we would like to be doing. Sometimes this is the members’ only outlet for getting out of the house, keeping the grey matter turning if you like, designing and making new boats.” Club member David Hart, who frequented the lake as a child to sail small yachts, joined the club three years ago after his wife passed away. “It gets me out of the house four days a week,” he commented, adding: “I’d like to see some water in it.” The boat club members are not the only ones hoping for the lake to be full. Jenny Archer, co-owner of the nearby Boathouse cafe, mentioned that they are asked about it “a dozen times a day.” She stated, “Without water in the lake, it does detract away part of the attraction of visiting us.” Archer further explained, “It’s not as picturesque, because it’s empty and it has affected footfall and also customers’ perception.” Ms. Archer reported that people have complained about the lake being an “eyesore” and “a blot on the landscape.” She also expressed that it was “a shame,” given other efforts to improve the area, and that the sooner the lake was restored, the better. Coatham is already the focus of £3.75 million regeneration plans, largely funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which include the addition of a coastal activity hub and a hotel. Brown conveyed that he “fully” understood the “frustrations” of both the boat club and the public. He recalled that in July, the local authority had spent £7,000 last year on a replacement pump. Brown affirmed, “We will get the lake back to its full glory as soon as possible so people can enjoy this fantastic attraction in our wonderful park and resort for many years to come.” Mr. Patterson described the lake as “the jewel in the crown,” asserting that its repair would benefit the entire vicinity. He concluded, “It’s part of the history of Redcar and we’ve lost it at the moment.”