PLANS for a £250,000 repair and refurb of a pond in a Malvern park have been given the go ahead.

At this week's Executive Committee meeting (January 18) Malvern Hills District councillors agreed to launch a major new repair of the lower pond at Priory Park.

Work will include de-silting, removal of tree debris and specialist removal of fish.

It is the first time in 30 years the pond has had work done of this nature.

The works, which will see the pond de-silted and repaired, will form part of the council's Five Year Plan to improve the play area and biodiversity enhancements in the popular Great Malvern park.

Following the recent de-silting and repair of the upper pond in Priory Park, which has reinstated water flow into the lower pond further, more significant works are required to the lower pond to improve water quality and biodiversity.

De-silting will enable the pond to start capturing carbon again and provide the right environment for plants to grow.

In addition to de-silting, the project also includes installation of special baskets for planting, wetland planting to encourage invertebrates and insects, tree works to reduce overshading and leaf accumulation and shrubs and woodland bulb planting.

The work is slated to take place sometime this year, with council documents saying it should be done sooner rather than later to avoid interfering with amphibian and bird breeding seasons.

Up to 45 per cent of the cost will be covered by a grant from Natural Networks that the council has negotiated.

Cllr Peter Whatley, portfolio holder for resources at Malvern Hills District Council said: "After the successful completion and improvements of the upper pond we are really keen to progress with works to the lower pond.

"The de-silting and repairs will create a more sustainable ecosystem, which will reduce the frequency of interventions of this scale.

"These works are essential and all part of our commitment to improving and making the most of our wonderful environment."