WITH the first significant sum about to be invested in a Poole beauty spot in eight years, residents are keen to ensure it is wisely spent.

Tranquil Coy Pond Gardens at Branksome has not received major improvement since 2006, although the Friends of Coy Pond have been helping maintain the area.

However now the Grade II* listed gardens are in line for a £50,000 recreational planning contribution and Borough of Poole is keen to hear residents’ views.

“There are areas where, without investment, deterioration will occur,” said project officer Ruth Wharton.

“We are planning to invest in a range of improvements that will preserve this special and historic site, benefit wildlife and add to people’s enjoyment of the area.”

Mike Smith, chairman of the Friends of Coy Pond, said: “The most important thing we are really pushing is we don’t want this money spent on things like plants and bushes which we can provide ourselves, or through donations. That would be a total waste of money.”

Vitally important were major schemes to stop the island in the pond from receding and provide a boardwalk along the stream to protect the gravel path by the rockery which floods, he said.

“I have lived here 48 years and the trunk of the large conifer on the island is now often in the water,” he said. “If that tree goes, it will never look the same again.”

The council intends to consult residents on how the park and garden could be enhanced and will be drawing up outline proposals including improvements to the pond and island, “to make sure it’s still there for future generations to enjoy”.

Included are access points so people can get closer to the stream and new signs to celebrate the wildlife and history.