Alton Town Council has implemented its management plan to control algae at Kings Pond after recent warm weather led to its reappearance.

The plan is based on the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Natural Environment Research Council recommendation to control algae with barley straw.

Applying barley straw to water has been tested in large ponds, lakes and reservoirs and proved successful.

The council has placed straw ‘sausages’ at the inlet to Kings Pond, with the straw contained in netting and kept in place by floats.

Barley straw extract needs adding to the water at regular intervals, and a second row of straw sausages was due to be placed a little further into the pond - again from the inlet - this week.