A giant 24-square-metre floating island, covered with a range of aquatic plants and two purpose-built wooden houses for the duck population, has been created in the pond as the centrepiece of a project to enhance the area's environment.

Norfolk County Council and Swaffham Town Council have funded the project, which has also received strong support from Northwell Pool's owner, Anglian Water.

Last week, some of the key stakeholders who have been involved with the scheme visited the site to view progress with the work. Among them was Swaffham Town Mayor Shirley Matthews, who said: "Although many people love looking at the ducks they can be a nuisance when they congregate in gardens and roads.

"The island and duck houses will provide them with more space of their own to socialise. The island is a lovely feature which we hope people will enjoy."

Over the years, the town council has received complaints about the ducks roaming into people's gardens near Northwell Pool and leaving an unsightly mess, which can also be a hazard, particularly for elderly and infirm people.

As well as creating the island, bio-engineering firm Verdant Solutions has laid out 100 metres of vegetated fibre rolls around the edge of the pond, with various plants.

Verdant eco-engineer Simon Peard said: "We have put in several different plant species which should greatly improve the appearance of the pond's edges. All the new species will provide a great habitat for wildlife to thrive."

Local residents, environmental specialists and the police were among those consulted during the planning of the project.

Town council project grant support officer Dr David Bek said: "It is hoped that more work will be undertaken around the pond to further enhance its amenity value for residents and visitors."