VOLUNTEERS will be asked to help rid a popular lake of an unsightly moss once and for all this summer.

Duckweed has been a problem at Warner’s Pond in Woodford Green since it was dredged in March 2006 and party re-filled with nutrient-rich mains water which aids plant growth.

Members of the Woodford Green Amenity Group (WGGAG) have for several years campaigned to have the weed removed from the pond.

Since 2006, the group has suggested several ways of riding the pond of the weed, but all have either failed or been deemed inappropriate by the council.

Now Redbridge Council says it will provide equipment and the expertise of its parks staff to help volunteers from the area clear the pond in July.

WGAG chairman Geoff Stimpson, 77, of Beresford Drive, said; “It’s good news and although I’d rather it was happening sooner at least we’re going to get somewhere with trying to clear it.

“People that live on the periphery of the pond say that apart from the fact that it’s unsightly, it also gives off this rather sulphuric aroma which is not very pleasant.

“We’re hopeful this will sort it out, but then again it’s taken us two years to get to this point, so we’ll have to see.”

Previous suggestions to rid the pond of the weed include introducing fish into the pond to eat the weed, using straw, which reacts with the weed and stunts its growth, and even pouring chemicals into the pond to kill it off.

A Redbridge Council spokeswoman said: “The council’s Nature Conservation Rangers are organising a volunteer day in July for parks staff and volunteers to clear the pond of duckweed using special equipment for managing ponds.

“Full details will be publicised once they are confirmed.”