RESIDENTS are calling for fish to be restocked and restoration work to be carried out on what they say is a neglected community fishing pond.

The pond has been a popular spot for wildlife lovers and anglers in the Red Hall area of Darlington since it was renovated in 2012.

Fishing platforms were built on the pond and a group of volunteers were appointed to maintain the area.

The group began to build fishing platforms – alongside council built platforms – but they were abandoned and deemed a safety risk by residents.

A Red Hall angler said there were many more fish in a pond behind the town's Brinkburn pub, adding: “The state of the platforms was always an issue when I was there. They were always either burnt where people had been setting fire to them, or broken where people had been smashing them up.

“During the summer time, the pond was mucky as people had barbecues while fishing and used to throw them into the pond.”

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: “There are plenty of fish in the pond so there is no need to restock it.

“We are aware of the damage to the fishing platforms and have been looking at the best way of repairing them, but it’s not as simple as just replacing the damage. In the meantime, they are still sound and safe to use.

“We are also working with volunteers to discuss whether they can help look after the area.”

Rudd, roach, trench and crucian carp were previously stocked in the pond, but residents say people no longer fish there because of a lack of stock.