THE first of many monthly working groups started work to reduce the threat of flooding in Fovant on Saturday.

About 20 villagers made up three working parties to roll up their sleeves and clear Toads Pond, under licence from the Environment Agency.

The pond, which had recently been cleared of fly tipped material, had its weed cut by the team.

The weed was then brought to the side of the brook, in order that any insect or similar life could get back into the water before it was cleared away.

More weed will be cut on October 4, and on November 1 a skip will be filled by hand with the rubble and hardcore which has collected over the years.