Local business tops up drying Somerset Road pond after Redhill community appeal

Residents near Somerset Road in Redhill raised the alarm this week after the pond opposite Somerset Road Playground almost completely dried up in the continuing hot weather.

Photos shared with Surrey Extra on Tuesday 7 July showed the pond reduced to cracked mud and reeds, with very little water left for the resident moorhens to drink, cool off and forage in. Locals had begun leaving shallow paddling pools and containers of fresh water in the pond bed to help the birds through the heat, and asked anyone visiting the area to help keep them topped up while waiting for rain.

The following day, help arrived in bulk. After seeing the appeal, Redhill-based Crystal Clear Cleaning Services drove out to the pond and added 700 litres of fresh water — and told Surrey Extra they will continue checking on it daily while the hot weather continues.

When local people and local businesses work together, we really can make a difference.

A huge thank you to Louis, Louise and everyone at Crystal Clear Cleaning Services for taking the time to help our local wildlife — this is exactly what community spirit looks like.

If you live nearby, please continue to let us know if you notice any changes at the pond. And if you’re in the area and able to help safely, topping up the shallow containers with fresh water makes a real difference to the moorhens while the dry spell lasts.

Know a local business or neighbour quietly doing good things for the community? Tell Surrey Extra about them — positive local stories like this one are exactly what we want to share more of.