A 30-YEAR-OLD landmark which takes pride of place at a town beauty spot and was built as a memorial to a local family who perished in an air disaster could be lost forever if residents do not use it.

A 30-YEAR-OLD landmark which takes pride of place at a town beauty spot and was built as a memorial to a local family who perished in an air disaster could be lost forever if residents do not use it.

Sudbury's Mill Acre boating pond at The Croft picnic area, was built in 1972 in memory of Roger and Margaret Green and their two children who died in an air disaster over Yugoslavia in May 1971.

Once it was one of the town's top attractions for youngsters who used it to paddle in and to sail their toy boats.

Today, it is hardly used and the spiralling cost of its upkeep is now casting a doubt over its future. Town officials will now examine whether it is practical to continue funding the feature's upkeep.

Renovation work costing £30,000 was carried out on the pond five years ago, which included a new filtration system.

However, it has required constant repairs and the plaque commemorating the Green family has been removed due to repeated attacks from vandals.

Problems with algae during the summer led to the cancellation of last year's annual model boating regatta.

Town Clerk Sue Brotherwood said: “Five years ago the council decided the cost of maintenance was too expensive and it was going to be filled in.

“Renovation work was undertaken after we received letters from the public who wanted to keep it. Ever since we have had problems with it and the filtration system now needs replacing.”

The new system will cost the town council around £20,000 and yearly upkeep will be an extra £2,500.

“What we have to decide as a council is just how much money we are going to put into it,” added Mrs Brotherwood.

Town councillor Peter Beer said: “Would it be throwing good money after bad? It does not seem that there is a tremendous requirement for it. Should we spend this money for such little use.”

Town councillors voted to hold a public consultation over what it should do with the boating pond.

Anybody with views on the pond should contact Sudbury Town Hall on 01787 372331.