USERS of a notoriously overgrown pond and greenspace will have to stay patient – as the city council has confirmed work will not start any time soon.

Last month, the Echo reported that it could take years to start the regeneration of the Shirley Pond area.

This week, it has been confirmed, as the council continues to focus on Miller's Pond in Sholing.

Residents claimed that work at Miller's Pond was completed a little while back.

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But Cllr Jeremey Moulton, deputy leader of Southampton City Council, has denied this.

He said: "Work is still ongoing at Miller’s Pond and we understand that residents may feel disappointed that Shirley Pond won’t be dredged immediately.

"Once Millers Pond work is complete, the focus will move to Shirley Pond. We thank residents for their patience."

The substance currently covering the pond in Shirley has been inspected.

The council found it was common duckweed which can cover freshwater bodies of water, and is not considered detrimental to the wildlife known in the area.

However, residents are also concerned about the levels of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The only bench at Shirley Pond has been destroyed – which was commonly used by disabled and elderly residents using the greenspace.

In May, it was reported that several birds had been found dead in the area.

Officers in the area had been notified of the issues with up to 40 birds found dead on one occasion.

Cllr Satvir Kaur previously said: "As ward councillors, we are fully aware of the issues in Shirley Pond and have been working hard to get improvements to the park.

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"We would like to see the council move faster on the these issues. In the meantime, we will continue to push for greater investment for this much loved and well used community space."

Anyone interested in volunteering to do conservation work at Shirley Pond should email parksvolunteers@southampton.gov.uk.