Devizes's historic Crammer pond left dry by hot summer

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:16 · Archive

The 300-year-old Crammer in Devizes has dried up following an exceptionally hot summer, leaving a muddy expanse where water once reflected the surrounding houses.

The historic Crammer pond in Devizes has been left almost completely dry following this summer's exceptionally hot weather. The 300-year-old landmark, which normally provides a distinctive view in the heart of the town with its reflective surface, has been reduced to a largely muddy expanse with no way to refill it artificially.

The pond relies entirely on rainfall and water running off surrounding roads, leaving its restoration dependent on weather. Local resident Lou Weaver described the situation as "very dire", saying: "It's always lovely to have the nice reflection of all the houses on the other side." Graeme Riley, who walks past the pond daily, said: "It's just sad really, it's the focal point of Devizes."

There are also concerns about wildlife. Resident Marion Kearley said she watched a flight of geese approach the Crammer before apparently realising there was nowhere for them to land. She said: "Very, very sad. I hope it will come back. I think it will but it'll take some time. It's obviously got to soak into what's there now, all the mud, before it starts filling. So I think we'll want a lot of rain."

The possibility of dredging the pond to increase its capacity has been discussed as a potential solution. However, Councillor Iain Wallis said there were significant practical and financial difficulties with this approach. He explained that the Crammer's dependence on road run-off means the silt that accumulates in it is classified as hazardous waste, which would complicate any dredging operation.

How it is being reported

• Historic town landmark still dry after scorching summerWiltshire residents are hoping for wetter weather to restore one of a town’s best-known landmarks.Gazette & Herald · 10 Oct, 05:00
• Historic town landmark still dry after scorching summerWiltshire residents are hoping for wetter weather to restore one of a town’s best-known landmarks.Swindon Advertiser · 10 Oct, 05:00
• Historic town landmark still dry after scorching summerWiltshire residents are hoping for wetter weather to restore one of a town’s best-known landmarks.Wiltshire Times · 10 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Devizes · Crammer · Lou Weaver · Graeme Riley · Marion Kearley · Iain Wallis

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem