A POND has been transformed into a haven for anglers and nature lovers.

The Environment Agency has funded work at Wheatley Hill Pond and 14 acres of woodland at Wheatley Hill near Peterlee, which is leased from Durham County Council by residents.

The site had been neglected – the fishing platforms were unstable and slippery, motorcyclists rode around the site, and the car park was used for fly-tipping.

The Wheatley Hill Angling Club and Community Conservation Group started a project in 2009 to clean up the site, which included removing cars, bikes, tyres, bottles and mattresses from the pond.

The group applied to the Environment Agency for funding to help it rejuvenate the area and was successful - getting £20,000 to put towards improvements.

The group spent the money installing new recycled plastic angling platforms with a large coaching platform for fishing and nature watching. Work on the platforms has recently been completed.

Alan Hall, from Wheatley Hill Angling and Community Conservation Group, said: "Getting the funding from the Environment Agency was absolutely marvellous.

"The angling platforms have made a great difference to the club as they are wide enough for wheelchair access and accessible to everyone.

"Our aim now is to keep the area safe and clean bringing social, environmental and economic benefits to the community and, in particular, encouraging young people to get involved in activities around the pond."

Paul Frear, Environment Agency fisheries officer, said: "The project was planned and managed by Wheatley Hill Angling and Community Association, and is a great example of the Government’s ideas on localism in action.

"Apart from the funding, we have also provided advice on how to develop the site, how to manage fish and provided support and advice on future funding bids."

Further funding is being sought to enable the group to improve access and pathways around the pond so that more visitors can enjoy the wildlife and woodland.