A date has been set to solve a long standing duckweed problem in a Woodford Green pond.

Residents living near Warners Pond in High Road have complained about the “smelly and unsightly” weed for more than three years and also feared it was endangering wildlife.

It will now be removed by council workers and volunteers on July 14 following a series of campaigns led by the Woodford Green Amenity Group.

Chairman Geoff Stimpson said: “This is good news and we are delighted something is being done.

“This smelly green gunk has spoiled the atmosphere for too long and we shall have to wait and see what happens.”

The issue has been discussed regularly at area committee two meetings and a number of possible solutions were discussed which never came to fruition.

These included adding grass carp to the pond because they feed on aquatic plants and putting in barley straw. A chemical was also considered.

Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith, who waded into the pond in August last year to highlight the problem, said: “I am delighted to hear the council has agreed to resolve the duckweed problem at Warners Pond.

“The members of Woodford Green Amenity Group have been struggling with it for some time and it has been a very persistent and unsightly problem.

“I hope the pond will now be restored to its former beauty and that we can keep the duckweed at bay in future.”

A Redbridge Council spokesman confirmed a pond management day would take place from 11am to 3pm on July 14.

He said: “Parks staff and volunteers will clear the pond of duckweed using specialist equipment.

“Residents are invited to help out with tools and refreshments provided.

“Wellington boots are recommended.”

A previous attempt to remove the weed in 2009 failed because workers did not have the required equipment to complete the job, residents said.