Saving Wildlife and Nature (SWAN) holds second protest against YMCA's plans for Balderton lake

A protest against plans to use Balderton lake for water sports made a splash last night as more than 25 residents gathered outside a council meeting.

Jane Buxton, Karen Callingham and Jean Hall, who launched campaign group Saving Wildlife and Nature (SWAN) hoped to send a message to the YMCA and Balderton parish councillors.

It is the second protest by the group — who are opposed to proposals by the YMCA to use a part of the lake for boating — after more than 100 residents took part in a silent walk around Balderton Lake last month.

Jane said: "There are not many green spaces left in Newark or Balderton and this is one of the only peaceful areas left."

The group took issue with a recent ecology report by the YMCA.

Karen said: "It was done in 2018 and was a walkover survey. It is one of the cheapest surveys you could have undertaken.

"Kingfishers have been there for years. They weren't even mentioned in that report. In an hour and a half we have identified well over double of what the report did.

"We have an otter on the lake, which is a protected mammal, and we are going to ask the YMCA to undertake a new report for the otter as a separate mammal."

They said they were passionate about the area and said they wanted to develop Balderton lake in similar style to Sconce and Devon Park, which has a park ranger and multiple community projects.

The group also claimed they wouldn't be as frustrated with the YMCA if they communicated with them.

"We are not against the YMCA," said Jane.

"We met with them in January and, at the time, Todd Cauthorn (executive director of the charity) was happy to organise meetings with us, the council and all parties, but we haven't heard anything from him since."

They said the area was already filled with opportunities to enjoy water sports.

Karen said: "Bare in mind we live on an extremely long river. Newark-on-Trent sits upon the River Trent, which is really good for water sports."

The group has more than 2,000 signatures on a petition, which they plan to present to Newark and Sherwood District Council.