A town councillor has highlighted a man’s bid to “avert disaster” at a beauty spot amid concerns the “Jewel in Alton’s crown” is being neglected.

Anthony Furnival has singled-handedly spent much of August tackling the chronic algae bloom which has frequently blocked the weir, raised water levels and caused flooding at King’s Pond.

The oxygen-depleting “pond weed” which can suffocate fish and aquatic life and threaten its delicate eco-system first appeared on the pond around mid-July.

Algae growth is natural but increases when phosphates and nitrates, often agricultural run-off, combined with bright sunlight.

Phenomenal quantities of algae have been disposed by the town council’s grounds team thanks to Mr Furnival’s herculean efforts with grateful residents also expressing their thanks to the selfless volunteer.

But he and Cllr Matthew Kellermann feel the work is only treating the symptom, and not providing a cure, as methods to mitigate the likelihood of algal overgrowth have not been put in place and are being overlooked.

Cllr Kellermann said: “There is widespread public concern that King’s Pond is being allowed to deteriorate in order to justify radical changes to the area.

“Frequently, Altonians compare – unfavourably – the state of the pond to that of Flood Meadows, an area that attracts much investment and attention.”

The councillor added: “If residents and visitors feel that this public asset is worth saving and improving, it would be advisable that they make their voices heard and appropriately petition elected officials before it is too late for King’s Pond.”