Testing the water for lakes' new name (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Testing the water for lakes' new name

THE COTSWOLDS could soon have its very own lake district if plans to re-brand The Cotswold Water Park are successful.

Among the new names being discussed for the area is 'The Cotswold Lakes', which is already proving popular.

The topic of a name change was initially raised at a meeting two months ago but since then the Cotswold Water Park Society has been researching.

The society asked members and season ticket holders for their suggestions on what the Water Park should be known as and the results so far have shown one name out in the lead.

CWPS chief executive Tim Pain explained out of 400 people polled the majority preferred the name 'The Cotswold Lakes'.

He said: "There is the process of change and what change is, nobody is arguing for any particular name for any purpose. All that we've done is a whole load of names have been submitted to us and we put them out to our own season ticket holders and 76 percent preferred it."

Mr Pain did note there had been no official response from any of the nearby parishes as yet, although they had received a letter from Cricklade Town Council.

The original idea of 'The Cotswold Water Park' was create almost 40 years ago before the advent of swimming pools with water flumes and similar attractions.

Today, there is widespread confusion over the location and identity of The Cotswold Water Park and a new name would clear up the widespread belief that the name refers to one specific water-based tourist attraction.

Simon Pickering, director of conservation and restoration for the Cotswold Water Park Society, said the society was well aware of confusion over the current name.

He said: "There is a hardcore of people who say don't change the name, there is a hardcore of people who say 'what is Cotswold Water Park anyway?'. There are still people who think Keynes Country Park is the Cotswold Water Park."

A new more generic name would also boost tourism and business within the area by encouraging a 'brand identity'. At present none of the Water Park's major developers use the current name and they have also made suggestions for a more appropriate name.

The overall implications of any re-branding initiative were discussed in detail at Friday's meeting of the Water Park Executive, which is made up of councillors and officers .

The members agreed to undertake further work to clarify cost and operational implications which could affect any name change.