Keen anglers and nature lovers should soon be reaping the rewards of one man's crusade to resurrect the fortunes of a beleaguered Benfleet lake.

Alan Foster, of Rushbottom Lane, has applied for planning permission to return the small lake at the bottom of Lake Drive in Coombe Wood, back to its natural state after years of neglect and vandalism.

He is also hoping to make the spot a haven for anglers by stocking it with fish.

Plan - Alan Foster bids to turn vandal-hit area into a mecca for anglers Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

Mr Foster said today: "It is a natural flowing lake which has laid dormant for some time after a string of vandalism incidents.

"It would make a nice little spot for a fishing lake, stocked with carp, roach and bream.

"It will also make it a nice place for families to go on a Sunday morning to take a walk together."

The businessman has been enlisting the support of local councillors and wildlife experts with his plans as the lake is on council land.

Published Monday October 14, 2002

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