HARLOW Council has provided an update on the work they are undertaking at Netteswell Pond.

Work by a specialist fishery contractor has been taking place this week to remove the remaining fish after the larger mature fish were removed on Saturday.

All fish are being held in holding tanks where they continue to be assessed by the fishery.

The priority is to complete the project as soon as possible so the fish can return and a new stock of fish will be added. The project is expected to be completed next month.

Fencing has now been put up around the site to restrict access for health and safety reasons while diggers are working in the area to remove silt and debris in the pond. Public access from the Study centre to the cycle track remains.

Netteswell Pond is an important part of the town’s flood defences, therefore, draining the pond to remove the silt and debris, which has built up for many years, is an essential part of this project. This is because it will improve the water holding capacity of the pond and also make it a better environment for all wildlife.

All benches around the pond have been removed and are at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve where volunteers will restore and renovate them. This includes a memorial bench, which will be restored and located back into its original place.

All broken litter bins and old signs have been removed and will be replaced with new.

The eight fishing platforms will be rebuilt by HTS once the silt and debris have been cleared.