Archer's Lake off Chapel Lane, Bingham, now open to public after final checks by Barratt Homes

A lake local residents have been longing to enjoy has finally opened.

Bingham Lake off Chapel Lane, officially known as Archer's Lake, is now free to roam after its developer made final safety checks.

The lake has been named in memory of Jack Archer, a 14-year-old boy who sadly died when he was knocked off his bike on Chapel Lane in 2016.

A ghost bike is still near the site of the incident to this day.

The lake is part of Barratt and David Wilson Homes' Romans' Quarter housing development. It will see 317 houses built in the first phase of a project aimed at delivering more than 1,000 new homes in Bingham.

Reacting on Facebook to the opening of the lake, one Bingham resident wrote: "Great to at last have the freedom to walk around Archer’s Lake this afternoon after all the restrictions we have in our lives at the moment."

They added it was a nice thought the lake was named after Jack Archer.

A spokesperson for Barratt Homes North Midlands said: “Following a delay caused by the covid-19 pandemic, we can now confirm the essential works at Archer's Lake are complete after a final safety check and the public space is now open.

“We apologise for any disruption caused but we hope the recreational and wildlife area can now be enjoyed by residents in Bingham.”