COUNCILLORS who warned that an area of Chard was a potential danger are delighted that action is to be taken.

Cllr Jason Baker had promised during his campaign leading up to the local elections in May that he would do what he could to get the pond area at Minnows, which sits off the Crowshute Link close to the Sainsbury’s store, tidied up and more importantly, made safer.

Thick vegetation and weed have covered a part of the pond to hide the grass from the water’s edge.

Although the water is not very deep, there is enough to cause problems if an unsuspecting toddler fell in with the potential of them drowning.

Cllr Baker said: “My worry is a child will fall in and struggle to get out. You can only imagine what could happen.”

He and Cllr Garry Shortland, who both serve Chard Town Council and South Somerset District Council, lobbied the district authority to get work done.

And Cllr Baker said: “I can confirm that after many conversations the pond is to be generally tidied, excessive growth cleared, litter removed and the grass cut.

“This should happen quite quickly.

“Longer term we will be carrying out some improved landscaping work to include native planting and this work should be completed by the end of the summer.”

Cllr Baker added: “The important thing is that by tidying up the area – it will just make the pond more visible and safer.”

A spokesman for South Somerset District Council said: “Our officers have been meeting with local councillors to discuss the ongoing maintenance of the Minnows pond in Chard.

“Our Streetscene Services manager has identified an aqua care specialist to work with the council in regard to water care.

“This work will include planting issues and considerations of ecological implications.

“A gate will also be installed to take away the gap in the fence that is currently there.

“We will also see the pond generally tidied, excessive growth cleared, litter removed and grass cut.

“Some improved landscaping work will be completed which will include native planting and this work should be completed by the end of the summer.

“Finally, we have spoken to the local PCSO regarding people throwing litter and bottles into the pond, and around the local area. Streetscene Services currently routinely visit the site to clear litter from the water and maintain the surrounding areas which are owned by the district council.”