A MUCH-LOVED village pond is to be illuminated for the first time in its 2,000 year history.

Following local consultation, work will begin next month to make improvements to Norton duck pond, including the addition of lighting.

The proposals were put on display in Norton Library last November and residents and local businesses were asked for their views as how best to improve the feature.

Eight-five per cent of people who responded were in favour of the lighting proposals gennerally, 88 per cent wanted to see the fountain plume illuminated and 86 per cent favoured a timer being used.

The fountain will therefore be illuminated from 7.30am until and monitored, and can be altered if necessary.

Experts from Tees Valley Wildlife Trust say the improvements will enhance life for the ducks, who have set up home there over the years, as the increased air flow to the pond will improve the water quality.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "The duck pond is a well-loved feature of Norton and these improvements, supported by the vast majority of the people of Norton, will enhance it even more."

However, local historian Bob Harbron, 77, who has lived in the village all of his life, fears it will ruin the historic image of the pond.

He said: "It will be like putting disco lights up at Stonehenge - the pond is historic and should be left as it is.

"It dates back about 2,000 years as a working pond and over the years it has been changed from a fish pond to duck pond.

"Things like this are naturally beautiful and don't need flood lights to highlight it. I'm upset at the plans."