DUCK POND IS TO BE FILLED IN

Over the weekend the Times asked readers to comment after lorries and diggers arrived on Friday morning to fill in the pond with soil - and we were inundated with your views, praising and slamming the plans.

According to Ballymoney Borough Council, who have contracted the Rivers Agency to do the work: “The duck pond will become a wetland area, with plants, shrubs and flowers, enhancing the biodiversity of the area’.

On Twitter Ian Frizzell said: ‘Consultation on the changes to the layout at Riverside Park? I’m not against the proposals but surely we have a right to know.’

IMPROVE. Work is underway at Riverside Park in Ballymoney.INBM39-14 031SC.

On Facebook Holly Boo Mitchell said she was delighted with the development stating: ‘Brilliant if it is done properly. It’s an amazing spot to increase biodiversity.’

Jordan Stinson joked: ‘Sure they’ve been doin it for years , if ye [sic] fell in that pond you would come out with five eyes.’

Tang FM continued: ‘Challenge to the councillors to get in CCTV and prosecute those ruthless skitters who couldn’t care less about the environment they “drag” their children up into.

Stacey Trainor simply said: ‘Disgrace! Poor ducks.’

While Samantha Finegan agreed: ‘It’s a weird pond... Was flooded all summer and dry all winter!! Lots of ducks about tho... what’s happening to them?’

Jason Rouke concluded: ‘It’s the cheapest way out, if they would have had to dredge the pond all kinds of toxins would have been released...quack...bang...duck soup all round!!!’

In a statement from Ballymoney Borough Council, a spokesperson explained: “The work is being undertaken by Rivers Agency. The works which are being done are to suit the River and will restore the river to its natural route.

“The duck pond will become a wetland area, with plants, shrubs and flowers, enhancing the biodiversity of the area and will flood in high water.

“There will also be interpretative panels describing the biodiversity of the area. It is a 13 week contract and is due to be completed before Christmas.”

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