PLANS for the recreation ground in Kingsbridge may change – after engineering works turned out better than expected.

Now Kingsbridge Town Council wants the public to have their say on the future of the grounds following successful works to dry out the area.

Town clerk Martin Johnson said works that have taken place on the pond and grounds were originally thought to be temporary while long term options were reviewed.

But a consultant from the Eden Project found soil contamination was not as bad as they had feared.

'The current salt water contamination and ongoing flood risk was deemed to be too great to restore the park to its former fit state.

'However, the engineering solutions have worked really well and any current patches of water are probably rainwater rather than saltwater flooding.'

In February, South Hams Council engineers started the maintenance programme, which involved the replacement of the old worn-out system of pipes and valves, which were intended to prevent the ingress of salt water at high tide.

New buttresses were also built to prevent the wall on the northern boundary between the Cottage and the Promenade from collapsing.

In November 2008 Mor architects were commissioned by Kingsbridge Town Council to design plans for the grounds based on information that had been gathered.

Original ideas, which were approved by members of the public, consisted of a saline salt marsh with planting and a boardwalk over the top to include seating, dipping platforms and information boards about estuary life.

However, Mr Johnson said that this original idea will be expensive – and it may take years to get the appropriate funding.

At a recent meeting of the parks committee it was suggested that a new proposal be put to the public following the latest findings. The proposal consists of developing a 'natural pond' with the central island feature being removed to water level along with the fountain.

Devon Pond Plants have been asked to come up with some suggestions regarding the new proposal. It was suggested that planted baskets be put around the pond with beach cobbles between the gaps, two unplanted mini-beaches of cobbles to be installed, one in front of the seating area and another on the opposite side and an information board to be put up detailing the invertebrate and amphibian life to be found within the pond.

Planting could be carried out in the spring and would consist of mainly native plants.

A putting green and boules pitch will also be looked into following a trial into the worst affected area of the park to see if it can be developed to putting green quality.

Mr Johnson said: 'It has been agreed not to take any further action in the park until we are assured that all engineering works have worked well – probably early next year.

'The area of course is designated as a water catchment area for rainwater by the Environment Agency and will always be liable to some flooding at spring tides.

'A key factor is that there is no funding available for the wetland project and the 'natural pond' solution will be relatively inexpensive in comparison.

'So we could wait forever and a day for public funds to become available or a successful Lottery bid or suchlike to crack on with the wetland project, which may never materialise and the community would have to live with the park as it is until such time, or we can crack on with a Plan B – the natural pond.

'There are no current timescales. We would wish to go public with our new ideas to see how the community feels. But if we have a consensus of agreement then we will wish to press ahead and propose to plant up in Spring 2012.'

No money has been spent on either proposal and the town council intends to come up with these new plans to show the public for their consultation over the next few months.

He added: 'It is the public's decision. They pay council tax and will be using the facilities so it is their decision.'