Victorian Myton Pool gets makeover

The Friends of Myton Pool (FROMP) had been campaigning for funds to help pay for the restoration of the Victorian pool, in the grounds of a former mansion near Bennett Drive and Ward Grove.

They eventually managed to get £100,000 in lottery funding and from the King Henry VIII trust which enabled them to carry out the significant desilting works.

The pond had become thick with mud and first the stream had to be diverted before over 750,000 cubic metres was sucked out using a Vactor machine.

The mud was much denser than had been expected and mechanical diggers and spadework was also required to get it moved.

In preparation for the mud removal work paths were created and repaired, brambles and undergrowth cut back, excess trees felled and wild flowers reinstated.

The chairman of FROMP Robin Lock said: “What began only a few years ago as a group of residents concerned about the state of the pool and surrounding land has turned into a force for good for the whole neighbourhood and for wildlife.

“It is hard to remember what it was like before but fortunately we have photographic evidence.

“It is just fantastic what we have achieved, everybody involved deserves to be congratulated.

“Our recent Green Pennant award for the second year running was further proof of the value of this community enterprise.”

The official opening of the pool will be on Sunday, and guests will include Chris White MP and former chairman of Warwickshire County Council Marion Haywood. More than 150 people are expected to be in attendance.

There will be a barbecue and games to help relaunch the area which it is hoped will become a popular area for the community and a haven for wildlife.

Now people are able to enjoy the decorative Victorian pool and its neighbouring paths, which lead down to the River Avon.