Digging deep for hidden gems at Lake

A detailed search for the hidden gems of the attraction’s past is helping Fylde Council prepare its bid for £2m of Heritage Lottery cash to fund a project to refurbish the Lake and its surrounding gardens.

Already, the diggers, led by Bristol-based archeologist Kate Churchill, have uncovered the stone steps of the Lake’s former Japanese Gardens - out of use since the 1970s. Old stepping stones and traces of the Home Guard base which was located at the lake during the Second World War have also been found.

Julie Vale, Fylde Council’s activity development officer, said: “We are delighted with what we have found so far and thanks to all the volunteers who have turned out.

“Details of what has been here in the past will help us finalise the details of the refurbishment which we hope will start next year.

“The bid will be submitted in August and the work is expected to take three years.”

The dig goes on until Monday, with local schoolchildren joining it today. This weekend, from 10 am to 4pm each day, the public is invited to go along and see what has been found so far and any old photos of the Lake would be welcome.