Addy Forde's grandchildren Kyle and Kota Forde having a look at the fish in the spring. Forde expressed concern about people depleting the spring of fish.

THREE HOUSES SPRING, once a place where people went to bathe, wash clothes or just relax, is now overgrown by bush and deserted by humans.

I received a letter from a concerned resident who pointed out that the spring in St Philip was no longer a sight to behold.

When I visited the area recently, it was hardly recognisable. Bush had indeed taken over about half of it while it looked more like a small water trail than the water-gushing spring for which it was renowned.

Long-time resident of Three Houses, Addy Forde, who is passionate about the preservation of Barbados' heritage and places of interest, also lamented the sorry state of the spring, which pales in contrast to the well manicured and beautifully maintained Three Houses Park just opposite.

He said he believed the National Conservation Commission, which has responsibility for maintaining the park, should also maintain the spring.

He stated that no fishing should be allowed at the spring because the thousands of fish which once inhabited it had been considerably reduced because people fished them out.

Forde also pointed out that the waterweed, that helped replenish the spring and provide oxygen for the fish, was being destroyed.

While I was there, a man arrived and picked a bagful of the weed. He said that he used it for his fish tank and he preferred to pull it from the spring than to buy it at the fish store.

Forde said he felt strongly about the natural spring being maintained and preserved.

"This is where I grew up and I have fond memories about that spring. I do not like the state in which it is now," he added.