CONCERNS have been raised over the state of a pond which is being managed as a wildlife area.

Ann Murphy, who regularly walks in the area by the Arundel Mill pond in Stroud, feels the area is overgrown and would like to see the pond restored.

She said: "The pond is no longer there.

"It’s just an overgrown reed bed with willow trees starting to creep in. The River Frome is still running but the area is in a dreadful state.

"It used to be a magnificent pond where people could go to sit and watch the wildlife."

Ella Fraser-Nellist, who lives in the area, said she would like to see the pond restored.

She says the state of the pond has worsened over the 12 years she has lived in the area.

"It used to be absolutely beautiful with swans, ducks and a lot of wildlife," she said.

"Now it looks like a complete mess.

"I hope that somebody can do something with it. Maybe some funds can be raised to restore it.

"It would be nice to see it restored for the whole community, as many people enjoy walking in the area."

The pond off London Road and the land around it was donated to Stroud Valleys Project in the 1980s.

The environmental charity is working to encourage wildlife and biodiversity in the area along the river and canal in Stroud, in partnership with Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Clare Mahdiyone, from Stroud Valleys Project, said: "At present we have a leak in the sluice gate that controls the flow of water and the water level in the pond area.

"As a result of this, we are maintaining the water at a low level, especially with some of the high levels of rainfall we have had over the last few weeks.

"We are managing the site for wildlife, at this time of the year everything grows and breeds so there is limited management we can do without disturbing the wildlife.

"For example, we planted native trees and shrubs in the winter on land that has previously been under nettles.

"The nettles are so prolific in this area because they are growing on silt that was from the last dredging of the pond.

"We came to cut back the nettles which had re-grown over the spring and found hundreds, if not thousands, of ladybirds in all stages of their life cycle.

"To avoid disturbing these and other vital invertebrates we decided to leave cutting back the nettles until the autumn, only cutting away the nettles from around the trees, which are thriving."

If you are interested in the site or interested in volunteering contact Stroud Valleys Project 01453 753358.