AFTER much debate it has been agreed that repairs to the broken fencing at a Wellington beauty spot will be repaired.

Wellington Town Council met on Tuesday night (May 8) to discuss the future of The Basins.

Councillors have been concerned for some time about the fence that runs along the causeway of the water.

The land is currently owned by the Crown Estate, so the council has no authority over the potentially dangerous fence.

Cllrs discussed paying around £2k to carry out the repairs themselves, and the greater issue of trying to buy the land from the CE.

Town clerk, Greg Dyke, said: "The fencing is in need of repair. The cost of the repairs would be £2,302.82 +vat. This was not something that the town council was prepared to take on as it had no responsibility for the land and no permission to carry out any work.

"Enquiries have been made regarding the possibility of taking the land into public ownership and the Crown has indicated that a disposal of the property might be possible."

Debate broke out at the meeting over the legal implications that fixing the fence may have.

Mr Dyke, explained that the CE cannot undertake works to fix the fence, that it couldn't consent to work taking place, but that it was 'highly unlikely' it would interfere.

Cllrs John Thorne and James Hunt sparked the idea of the council placing some warning signs in the area, or perhaps funding a lifeboat.

One Cllr, Marcus Barr, passionately disagreed with this idea. He said: "I now understand how people get disillusions with councillors.

"Children will chuck the signs into the pond. Just pay the price and get on with it."

Cllr Peter Critchard said: "I am worried about the liability we are taking on. We are here to protect public funds.

"We would be in very serious trouble if something happened.

"The Crown Estate has put it in writing that they have not given us permission."

Cllr Critchard also stated that there are lots of areas surrounding the ponds that are not fenced, to which Cllr Barr replied that the fenced area is the also area where cars pass through.

Cllr Janet Reed said: "I understand the legal issues but common sense says to fix the fence."

Cllr Andy Govier said: "It is a risk but it's a greater risk if we don't do something.

"We should take this action, now the CE has reassured me sufficiently.

"If we have to take on other bits of land to secure The Basins then I support that."

It was narrowly agreed by seven votes to six that the town council would carry out the repairs.

A further vote was taken and agreed that the council would look into buying the land from the CE.