A MAN’S long quest to bring wildlife back to a beauty spot has finally been achieved after it was given a much-needed spruce-up.

Tony Frankowski, 65, of Eamont Close, Walney, is delighted that North Scale pond and meadow, just off the Promenade, has been “saved” after reeds which threatened to swamp the water were pulled back.

Mr Frankowski had been campaigning for Barrow Borough Council to sort the problem out for more than a year as the pond was virtually covered with reeds, with no space for ducks to swim.

However, a contractor for the council was recently dispatched to clear the site, which is already having fantastic results.

Mr Frankowski, a keen wildlife photographer, said: “I’m over the moon. It’s brought so much wildlife back in such a short period of time.

“Before it was done there were just four mallard ducks on the pond but by the end of it there were 21 because they had much more space to swim about and dive in.

“There’s dragonflies dancing along the water. It’s made such a difference.

“I want to thank the Evening Mail for backing the campaign and all the people that were involved in North Walney for saving a beautiful beauty spot.”

A Big Clean litter pick took place around North Scale pond and meadow last year, however volunteers were not allowed to get in the water to chop away the reeds due to health and safety reasons.

It’s estimated that four tonnes of reeds were taken away from the site by the contractor during the work.

Mr Frankowski said: “I think it was people power that won in the end. It spread by word of mouth.

“We had a few residents writing about it to the council. I wrote to John Woodcock. We were very insistent that something needed to be done.

“The amount of pensioners and mothers and toddlers who have said how happy they are with result is fantastic.”