Residents are being warned not to feed the ducks at a village pond that has become contaminated with toxic green algae. The plea comes from Mulbarton Parish Council which says signs around the pond, near the village church, asking people not to feed the birds are simply being ignored.

Residents are being warned not to feed the ducks at a village pond that has become contaminated with toxic green algae.

The plea comes from Mulbarton Parish Council which says signs around the pond, near the village church, asking people not to feed the birds are simply being ignored.

This has resulted in the water becoming polluted and it is now posing a health risk.

Unused fishing bait has been thrown into the pond, together with bread, general litter and food. This has led rats to go into the pond, and they can carry disease that causes serious health hazards for humans.

South Norfolk Council has been alerted and is currently dealing with the matter. And the parish council is keen to prevent the water becoming polluted again in the future.

Parish clerk Kay Measey said: “Once they have cleared all the problems, please would residents and children fishing remove any unused food and bait. Take it home, or put it in one of the many waste bins round the village on their way home.”