VOLUNTEER rangers have been dismayed that their newly-dug wildlife ponds have been vandalised.

Derwentside Volunteer Rangers yesterday moved in to repair the damage caused to the two ponds in Dipton, County Durham.

Nature reserve officer Karen Fisher said: "It's very disappointing. We have put a lot of work into this project. Less than a month ago Andy Guthrie, contractor, was commissioned to dig the ponds, which looked great - only to have them vandalised like this."

Vandals threw debris and building material into both ponds and dug away a retaining wall separating the two, which led to the top one being partly drained.

The building of the ponds at the Local Nature Reserve in Dipton followed meetings involving a cross section of both the young and elderly residents of the village.

Ms Fisher said: "The local community identified the local nature reserve in Dipton as the potential site for the creation of wildlife ponds and new wetland habitat, which will increase biodiversity value of the site.

"The plans included improving access to the site and a dipping platform by a pond."

Ms Fisher said residents had been involved in preparatory investigation works on site, by surveying the proposed pond and wetland area for fauna and flora, installing and monitoring bore holes and identifying access routes across the site.

Working in partnership with Hugh Roberts from the Leeds charity Ponds for People, a successful bid for £15,000 from Cedent was announced in June.

The local schools and Scout and Guide groups have also been approached about using the site, once the work has been completed - thereby creating an education tool for the community.

Ms Fisher said: "We appreciate that the work done does look a little harsh, but once the vegetation has grown back this area will look fantastic.

The site was designated in November 2003 and is owned and managed by Derwentside District Council.