A CALL to save a popular local walk at the Pottery Pond in Bovey Tracey has been made.

Bovey resident John Rickett is urging people to write to the town council set up a meeting to work out how it can be repaired and made accessible to local walkers.

He says: ‘The Pottery Pond is a part of the heritage of the town.

‘It is an historic structure which dates back to the original 19th century pottery and kiln which was at the heart of the local Ball Clay industry and made the town famous. It should be preserved!

‘Owned by Teignbridge the viewing board walk had become unsafe due to rot and had to be removed.

‘It cannot now be replaced on a same for old basis on account of the cost of timber.

‘The Pond’s future has to be considered. It is very much under the eyes of those nearby. Potentially it is a gem.

‘A recent straw poll of local residents was used to assess just what should be done to make it good. Letters were sent to just those who live nearby.

‘There has been an overwhelming response. Many locals offered help on a voluntary basis and a significant number offered to help financially with specific projects.

‘The small adjoining wood should be a part of habitat and vegetation management and preserved against housing development. Ideally it might even become a small park with access for walkers and might then be a feature itself.

‘If you feel we should support the town council to take action please write to the Town Clerk so that an appropriate meeting can be held.’

In response a spokesperson for Teignbridge Council said: ‘We’re pleased that local people are taking a keen interest in Pottery Pond and have made a couple of suggestions to Mr Rickett of projects which later in the year could be undertaken with the help of volunteers, such as a targeted leat clean and coppicing.

‘The council has invested time and money in the pond area, making sure changes do not adversely affect wildlife.

‘As we explained to Mr Rickettwhen we met him, vegetation works have to be paused for the bird nesting season but we will resume it in late autumn/winter. Some of the bramble growth, which is a good nectar source for bees and butterflies and nesting habitat for birds is a direct result of reducing the Alders along the bank but we will make sure it doesn’t overgrow.

‘Our plans for the coming winter include reducing some of the tree cover and coppicing on the island so as to vary habitat and reduce shading, leaf fall and especially water draw down. Having removed the boardwalk which had become unsafe due to its age we plan to install a bankside viewing platform.’