WORK to clean up ponds in Pontypool Park is set to begin next week.

Torfaen County Borough Council will fund the £3,000 clean up of Nant-y-Gollen Ponds.

Water will be drained, silt will be removed from the ponds and repairs will be made to the bank of a nearby stream which was damaged during recent flooding.

Volunteers are then needed to help with the clean up on Sunday, November 16 between 9.30am and 12.30pm The Environment Agency, which looks after waterways, has authorised the repairs and is on hand to protect aquatic species like Crayfish.

Clearing the ponds can only be carried out at certain times of the year to limit the impact on wildlife.

Volunteers are also needed for future projects including looking after the Italian Gardens and rebuilding dry stone walls.

An action plan has been drawn up to tackle key issues and a park users' group is also being formed.

Anyone interested in volunteering should phone park manager Alex Andrews on 01495 764688 or email fred.wildgust@virgin.net