Work has begun on restoring the boating pond in Elgin’s Cooper Park after it had been drained as part of flood alleviation works.
The pond was drained earlier this year to allow a retaining wall and embankment to be built at the north end, part of the £86million flood scheme.
Before the pond is restored work is being undertaken to clear sediment from the pond which will then be refilled either later this month or early in September.
Local labour councillor Barry Jarvis welcomed the return of the pond last night, saying: “This is a very welcome move, the sight of the drained pond and the muck and weeds littering an area that is the home of so many cherished memories has been a cause for concern and anger among many for months now.
“These ongoing works are vital to the overall flood scheme and hopefully once they are finished the pond can be fully returned to its former glory.
“I am just hopeful that between now and then that there is not a substantial build up of litter as a result of visitors to the work failing to clean up after themselves.”
Heavy machinery started the work this week which will see material removed from the pond and stockpiled for reuse elsewhere in the flood alleviation scheme.