Thousands allocated to project which could help Knightswood pond

The pond in Knightswood Park has been draining every summer for the past five years with water levels drastically dropping again in July.

Last month, Glasgow City Council (GCC) confirmed that the reason why this is happening remains a mystery and that investigations into the issue are ongoing.

(Image: Robert Perry)

Whilst the local authority probes the problem it has identified a project which could assist with the issue as well as easing flooding on nearby streets.

The expected total cost of the work is £300,000 and the council says that half (£150k) of the funding has already been secured.

Now, a further £10,000 has been added to the pot following a meeting of the Garscadden/Scotstounhill Area Partnership earlier this week.

Councillor Malcolm Mitchell, who chairs the group, explained that the funding is coming from the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

The western end of Knightswood Pond in October (Image: Newsquest Staff)

READ NEXT: Councillor says 'more needs to be done' to fix leak at city pond

This fund was launched by the council in 2022 with the purpose of allocating cash to each of the city’s 23 wards with community representatives having a direct say on how it is spent.

Whilst Councillor Mitchell welcomed the news as he believes it’s ‘a sign of intent from local stakeholders’ he also says that GCC must follow up on it and deliver progress.

The eastern end of the pond (Image: Newsquest Staff)

He said: “As water levels drain away, my inbox continues to fill up with residents who are rightly angry that the pond at the heart of this beloved local park is repeatedly ending up with water levels that would give large puddles a run for their money.

“Support was sought at the area partnership meeting on Wednesday and £10,000 was allocated from the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

“This will go into the overall funding pot and is not for a specific element of the project. £10,000 won't fix the pond, but what it is, is a down payment on delivery.

“The council requested evidence of local support for this project, and we've put our money where our mouth is.

“The council need to deliver, not just on this project, but on a complete solution for the pond, up to and including a full relining if that's what's needed."

The base of the pond (Image: Newsquest Staff)

READ NEXT: Council provide update on probe into leak at Knightswood Pond

Councillor Mitchell added that he has written to council officers to raise the current condition of the pond, concerns for a small number of swans that have returned to the pond, and asked for the cost of relining the pond to be provided.

GCC confirmed plans for the project, which will work to reduce surface water flooding on Waldermar Road and Archerhill Road (both of which run alongside Knightswood Park) are being developed.

(Image: Newsquest Staff)

Detailed designs for the project are being drawn up and it is hoped that it will help divert flows of surface water from these roads into the pond which will top up water levels during wet weather.

With more than half of the funding now secured, the local authority hopes that once the designs are finished that will ensure the remaining funding is allocated.

A GCC spokesperson said: "The contribution from the local Area Partnership to the project is greatly welcomed and will help us reach the funding target for a project that will improve local drainage and help to address ongoing issues with the pond.

"Investigations into the issues affecting the pond are on-going."