Council given all-clear to start Swannie Ponds clean-up

A long-delayed clean-up of Stobsmuir or Swannie Ponds in Dundee is to begin next month.

Work is expected to start on November 1 after the city council received a licence from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to dispose of blue-green algae at the site.

Maryfield councillor Craig Melville said, “It has caused a few problems and it has looked unsightly. The licence was required before we could start draining the pond.

“It’s planned that it will be drained slowly so any fish can be safely removed.

“Some things do take time and SEPA do take longer than one would reasonably expect to do these things. It’s not just a case of granting a licence they do have to investigate it thoroughly.”

Mr Melville said he was exploring the possibility of setting up a Friends of Swannie Ponds group.

Signs have been in place at the park since July warning visitors about the algae, which can cause skin rashes. The Dundee Model Boat Club annual regatta had to be cancelled the same month due to the condition of the water.