People living and working in the Lakeside area of Doncaster are withholding a service charge that covers the maintenance of the lake. The levy is charged on top of council tax and was agreed when residents bought their homes, according to Doncaster Council, which says the money pays for upkeep of the area.
Chris Kidger, a Reform councillor for the Bessacarr ward, described the condition of the lake area as "appalling". Doncaster Council has recently closed footbridges that connect paths to small islands in the middle of the water, citing safety concerns.
Residents on Winscar Road pay the charge through the agent Barnsdales, while those on other developments, including the Willow Grange estate, are billed directly by the council. Barnsdales said it collects the service charge on behalf of Doncaster Council and passes the money on, adding that it administers no services for the site itself.