A PLANNED clear-up of Hereford's Castle Pool could include the installation of signs to discourage people from feeding bread to ducks.

The action plan was prompted after visitors to the area over the summer found the pond almost entirely covered in green duckweed and algae.

After photographs of the pond – a popular spot which holds memories for many Herefordians – appeared on social media, plans to restore it to its former glory were put in motion.

Councillor Jim Kenyon, one of those involved in the project, said: "People can remember, like me, learning to stand up and walk, holding onto the railings there. It's an iconic part of Hereford.

"Now the social media community are stepping up to the mark and getting together and we are planning a day of action."

Under the guidance of professionals, volunteers plan to clean the duckweed from the surface of the pond and clear up weeds, brambles and fallen trees in the area. They also plan to paint the fences surrounding the pond and install signs, created by schoolchildren, to warn people against feeding bread to the ducks.

Some local businesses have already come forward and offered to help and volunteers are keen to hear from any others which might be interested.

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said algae and duckweed are important parts of a healthy, well-balanced pond ecosystem which provide food and shelter for ducks and pond creatures.

The spokesman said: "The climate and other conditions can cause an increase in algae in some ponds.

"We monitor the water levels at the Castle Pool duck pond regularly and to help keep the natural balance in this historic pool, would advise feeding the ducks corn, lettuce or seeds, instead of bread, to help control excessive growth of algae and duckweed."

Colin James posted about the deterioration of the area on his online forum Hereford Voice, where people have been supportive of the plans to restore the area.

Mr James has also suggested installing vending machines at the site, similar to those seen in the USA, where people can purchase fish and duck food rather than use bread.

Keith Marston, who lives in Hunderton and has an interest in fishing, has also launched a Facebook page called The Duck Pond Hereford Clean Up where he is rallying support for the day of action.

He said: "I woke up one morning and saw people moaning on Facebook about the state of the pond so I made a group and decided I was going to do something."

The historic pond is believed to have been part of the moat for the Hereford Castle so it has been a fixture of the city for many years.

Cllr Kenyon added: "We are very optimistic that we can get the area back to its former glory. It's about cooperatively working together to get the best result and get the whole area looking lovely."