Work on desilting the Loose pond, for the first time in 15 years, has started well.

Jex Plant UK has been using a mechanical digger to lift the silt from the bottom of the pond into a pile where it is sucked up and inserted into geo-bags, which allow water to drain out, and left on the banks of Brook’s Field to dry.

David Large, chairman of Loose Parish Council’s Brook’s Field sub-committee, said: “It’s been absolutely ideal weather. Surprisingly there is almost no smell at all.”

The water flow into the pond has been shut off, and those fish that could be caught have been removed for safe keeping, pending the conclusion of the three-week operation.

Quarry firm Gallaghers has agreed to remove the silt to landfill for half the usual price, once that stage of the operation is reached. Loose Amenities Association, with a donation from the Loose Swiss Scouts, is meeting the other half of the cost.

Mr Large said: “The contractor has started at the shallow end, where the layer of silt is less. We expect it to be thicker downstream, but so far, all’s going well.”