It is wonderful to see the Doctors Pond refilling (as demonstrated in the photo) as the work to desilt the pond and associated remedial works have been completed.

By the time that all the silt has been disposed of, it is estimated that in excess of 1900 cubic metres of capacity has been added to the pond. To date, 109 lorries have ferried silt away and this will continue into next week.

The fencing has continued to be removed during the week as our contractor returns more areas to the public.

Repairs to public areas damaged during the works are in progress, with new paths and hardstandings in construction. Next week the levels on the Downs will be restored, grass areas seeded and the memorial benches re-installed.

The Town Council was pleased to see 42 residents at their meeting on Monday and were grateful to those that took the time to express their thoughts on this project. At the extra-ordinary Full Council meeting on Monday members voted:

• to appoint an independent specialist to assess the work undertaken by the contractor at the Doctors Pond, to provide independent reassurance
• to appoint a landscaping consultant to advise the Town Council on the restoration of the Downs to provide independent reassurance

The independent specialist and landscaping consultant have both attended on site with the Town Clerk and the Operations Manager, and spoken with the site manager.

We are pleased to report that both are happy with the work undertaken by the contractor and will be providing written reports confirming their findings in due course.

Great Dunmow Town Council is committed to keeping residents informed and updated regarding the ongoing works to desilt and repair the Doctors Pond.

Unfortunately during these essential works, the contractor`s excavator has sunk and become embedded in the silt.

We wish to reassure residents that every effort is being made to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.

Experts are scheduled to attend the site tomorrow to assess the situation and prioritise the safe removal of the excavator.

The safety of all personnel involved and the preservation of the surrounding environment remain our top priorities. The Town Council is working closely with contractors and specialists to
minimise any potential disruptions.

We understand the concerns that this may raise and would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while we address this unexpected development.

Further updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.

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The Essex Integrated Transport Team have informed us that from 23rd February 2025, bus routes 322, 323 & 324 will operate through the Great Dunmow Grange development, providing an hourly Monday-Saturday service between Dunmow Town Centre and Bishops Stortford:

Great Dunmow Town Council thanks residents for their interest and patience following the
commencement of the works to desilt and carry out repairs to the Doctors Pond.

The original timeline had to be adjusted due to several environmental pressures, together with
logistical challenges which required the creation of a platform to enable machinery to operate
safely without damaging the clay base of the pond.

A secondary issue was the composition of the silt being removed which had an unusually high
slump nature. This coupled with poor drying conditions delayed its onward haulage.

The contractor has removed 608 tonnes of silt to date and is working to have the remainder
removed by Christmas.

This is a major project for the town requiring a significant financial investment by the Town
Council. It is essential therefore that the work is carried out cautiously and with great care, even
if this has resulted in a later than anticipated completion date. This will ensure that the pond is
fully restored and enhanced for our residents’ benefit for years to come.

The contractor will, on completion of the desilting and wall repairs, fully restore the grassed
areas used for the draining of the silt to their previous condition.

The Town Council would like to reassure residents that it is currently expected that the
contractors will have concluded the desilting and associated restorative works by early 2025. A
further update will be issued after the Christmas and New Year break.

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Read the Essex Police – Rural Engagement Team newsletter – October 2024:

2nd & 3rd October 2024
Safe removal of fish to virgin quarry.

7th October 2024
Temporary fencing erected to secure the work site. 2 parking spaces will be suspended at the top of The Downs to load lorries. Access to the footpath and houses along the side of the pond will be maintained throughout the works.

10th October 2024
The water will be pumped out of the pond into the run off to the River Chelmer.

11th October 2024
The plants will be removed from the pond and the work to remove the silt will commence. The silt needs to be dewatered so it will be placed on sheeting before being loaded into the lorries on The Downs for onward disposal.

It is anticipated that the core work will take 3–4 weeks, following which the pond will be refilled and restocked on the continued advice of the Environment Agency.

Great Dunmow Town Council is contracting for the redevelopment of the existing Recreation Ground car park and widening of existing crossover, demolition of the existing toilet block, construction of a new toilet block, a new storage facility and a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) with surrounding hardstanding and landscaping.

A Form of Tender together with a priced Schedule of Works should be returned, clearly titled ‘TENDER FOR GREAT DUNMOW TOWN COUNCIL CAR PARK REFURBISHMENT AND ALTERATIONS, NEW MUGA, STORAGE FACILITY AND WC BLOCK’, and all in accordance with the tender return procedures under Contracts Finder where this project is advertised.

The tender submission should be delivered or sent by post to reach:
The Town Clerk – Ms A Lindsell
Great Dunmow Town Council
Foakes House
47 Stortford Road
Great Dunmow
Essex
CM6 1DG

• The new deadline date for applications is Friday 27th September 2024
• The new date for commencement of works is w/c 28th October 2024

Failure to provide your priced Schedule of Works may invalidate your tender. Proof of postage will not be accepted as confirmation of receipt by the deadline.

Procurement reference: Recreation Ground The Causeway Great Dunmow Essex CM6 2AA

For further information relating to this project, please visit the Contracts Finder website.