A community facility that forms part of the wider Halsnead Garden Village development is thriving following improvement works at the site.

Improvement works delivered by Knowsley Council at Mellors Pond in Whiston have significantly enhanced the appearance of the community facility and contributed to the improved quality of the water and biodiversity of the site.

New, fully accessible fishing pegs have been installed at Mellors Pond, which has benefited from levelling and landscaping works, the creation of new areas of wetland habitat and tree planting and water quality improvements.

Funding from the Environment Agency for a new solar powered aerator has been secured by the Mellors Angling Association and new boundary fencing – in keeping with the Halsnead Garden Village traditional design principles – has also been installed at Mellors Pond as part of the improvement works. A new community noticeboard is to be installed which will include updates information from both the Council and Mellors Angling Association.

The enhancements will improve the climate change resilience of the site through better drainage and increasing biodiversity through habitat management and creation.

Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “The landscaping works and new trees are really starting to ‘bed in’ and mature and you can see a significant improvement to the water quality and overall appearance of the site. The anglers who use Mellors Pond have really taken ownership of the site and will help ensure it is a sustainable facility that everyone will enjoy.”

Joseph Rittenburg, Chair of the Mellors Angling Association, said: “The improvements are fantastic. Not only will the enhanced facilities help us attract new members, it will help make Mellors Pond more accessible to everyone. The anglers are taking real pride in the site and that will help ensure it’s a facility the whole community will enjoy for years to come.”