A four-year-old boy’s concern for wildlife due to significant litter in a park’s pond has prompted the council to take action.

The Comet: Tom Davison was feeding the ducks with his dad, Peter, when he became concerned about litter in the pond.Tom Davison was feeding the ducks with his dad, Peter, when he became concerned about litter in the pond. (Image: Archant)

Peter Davison was feeding the ducks with his children at Stevenage Town Centre Gardens on Sunday when his four-year-old son, Tom, noticed dozens of bottles in the water and became concerned for the welfare of the wildlife.

Peter said: “It’s such a shame because the Town Centre Gardens were revamped a few years ago and are now a lovely space to enjoy with your family, but the rubbish in the pond is letting it down.

“You can see the tops of dozens of beer bottles in the water, as well as plastic bottles and bags floating on the surface.

“Thoughtless people are spoiling the area for others, and potentially endangering wildlife, but the council should be taking action to clear it up.

The Comet: Tom Davison with his dad PeterTom Davison with his dad Peter (Image: Archant)

“My son is only four and he could see the potential dangers for ducks and other wildlife, and it looks unsightly.”

Stevenage Town Centre Gardens benefited from a £1.7 million renovation in 2011, which included installing new play equipment, making improvements to the pond, landscaping, a new entrance, additional seating and a new sensory garden.

Councillor John Gardner, Stevenage Borough Council’s executive member for environment and regeneration, said: “We will be clearing the pond at the Town Centre Gardens over the coming week.

“Time in our parks is a great way to spend a summer’s day, but we would ask all park-goers to use the bins on site or take their rubbish home with them.

“If you would like to report littering, then please visit www.stevenage.gov.uk or contact the Environmental Services team on 01438 242323.”