OPPOSITION councillors have hit out at the “dire” state of a popular pond which has suffered due to a surface weed.

A group of Conservative councillors including Dennis Willetts, Sue Lissimore, Brian Jarvis and Lewis Barber said they had been frustrated in their bid to get Colchester Council to address the state of the waters in Lexden Park.

The group described the pond as a “characteristic feature” which has flourished for 150 years.

“Over the summer, for the first time in its known history, the pond turned green and is emitting a foul odour,” they said.

“Dead fish and wildlife were apparent. Some emergency remedial work was done in September by the council and the Environmental Agency.

“However, the council said it would need weeks of effort to complete the more comprehensive remedial work.

“A long-term maintenance plan also needs to be prepared in consultation with residents of Lexden. Since then, no work has been done and nothing further heard.”

Martin Goss, Colchester councillor responsible for the environment, accused the group of cheapening the issue with petty politics.

He said work had already been undertaken to boost oxygen levels in the pond including clearing reeds and leaving a sluice gate open.

“The council takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and is currently working towards a sustainable solution to the problems affecting Lexden pond,” he said.

“On November 3, one of our officers and a countryside ranger met with residents and the estate manager to agree measures to safeguard the pond, including commissioning an independent inspection of the whole site with a view to producing a long-term action plan for the area.”

He added: “It is blatantly untrue to claim that communication with ward councillors in the area have ceased and it’s a shame, during the middle of a global pandemic, they choose to cheapen this with petty politics that, frankly, the public are sick of.”