RESIDENTS trying to solve a weed problem in a pond want to test a possible solution despite the council saying it won't work.

Yesterday afternoon Iain Duncan Smith was at Warner's Pond, on Woodford Green High Road, to see whether the pond was clear of duckweed.

The fast-growing weed has been a problem at the pond since it was de-silted in March 2006.

At the time the pond was partly re-filled with mains water - which is higher in nutrients that promote plant growth.

Residents and members of the Woodford Green Amenity Group showed the Woodford Green MP that no progress has been made and the pond is still covered with a layer of green weed.

Geoff Stimpson, chairman of the amenity group, said: "There is a sulphuric smell there and it looks awful.

"I feel sorry for the residents who looked out for years and had an attractive view, now it's an absolute mess."

Earlier this year residents called for the introduction of exotic fish species Grass Carp to help combat the weed problem.

Redbridge Council said the fish were not suitable as they would create an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Last month Mr Stimpson proposed using bales of barley straw to solve the problem.

The council again said this was inappropriate as it was used in other lakes and ponds in the borough to control algae but would not be affective in controlling duckweed.

The authority is looking to organise a manual clearance of the pond later in the year.

Mr Stimpson said he is keen to give barley straw a try and his group will fund the bales if necessary.

Peter French, a committee member of the amenity group, backed the idea of using barley straw after a visit to Norfolk last month convinced him that straw could be a solution.

Mr French, 84, of Snakes Lane West, said the visited 15th-century moated manor Oxburgh Hall while in Norfolk and the head gardener told him barley straw had been used for 10 years to rid the moat of duckweed.

Mr French said: "It's worth doing it and giving it a try."

A spokeswoman for Redbridge council said: “We understand residents' concerns about duckweed at Warners Pond and unfortunately there is no easy solution.

"While barley straw is extremely good at controlling blue green algae and we use it on other lakes and ponds in the borough, it isn’t effective in controlling duckweed.

"Our nature conservation officers have researched a number of methods to manage the duckweed and the most productive and effective method is to remove some of the weed by hand or machine, which is best done when it is in full bloom.

"We have previously worked with local residents to clear the pond by hand and are hoping to organise similar event later this year when it is in full bloom and we are looking at appropriate equipment to make sure the clearing has maximum impact.

"If residents request to try barley straw themselves, we would look into this request however we would strongly recommend visitors to the pond do not enter the water.