CWMBRAN Boating Lake is to receive a boost of up to £600,000 for improvement works.

Torfaen county borough council has announced two refurbishment projects at the lake, with work starting on the first phase on January 5.

The first project, costing £250,000, will see new viewing platforms installed and the creation of a wet woodland and island habitat, alongside improved access and repair works to the lake edge and footpaths.

Funding has come from the Assembly, Cwmbran Operational Group, Environment Agency Wales and Splash, a water recreation challenge fund.

The lake will be closed while work is carried out, but there will still be public access to facilities such as the play area.

Plans are also in the pipeline to build new catering and toilet facilities, costing between £200,000 and £350,000, to replace the former building at the site which burnt down. The facility may also be used as an education centre for visitors to the lake.

Councillor John Cunningham, the council’s operational services executive member, said the improvements will benefit both local people and wildlife.

He said: “The proposed new building would also be a massive plus for visitors. Once work is finished, Cwmbran Boating Lake will be a big asset to the local community and an area the whole of Torfaen can be proud of.”