WALKERS in Queen’s Park are in a flap about “dangerous” water levels they fear could drive out resident ducks.

Since drainage work took place at the smaller pond in the South Side park in July, the water supply has been affected and levels have dropped by about a third.

Scottish opera receptionist Morna Gourlay walks her dog Finzi, a red setter cross, in the park at least twice a day and is worried that the 30 plus ducks may be forced out of their territory.

She said: “There has always been a pipe with clear water running into it but, since the council did drainage work in July, the water has stopped.

“The water has evaporated and we haven’t had much rain since August.
“The water levels are getting down dramatically. “You can see the bottom of the pond and the roots of the vegetation. “The ducks have a little beach now but they can’t swim among the reeds.”

Morna, of Pollokshaws Road, has written to the First Minister, the city council, the RSPB and conservation charity Froglife, she said. “There’s great cause for concern,” she added. “Everyone I meet is saying what’s happening to this pond? “You can’t just turn off the water supply. What water remains resembles diluted sewage. “The pond is very popular with children, we get a lot of them feeding the ducks.”
She estimated the water level was now at about two feet deep.

She added: “The RSPB say the ducks will eventually fly away if the level gets too low.

“They could use the other pond but there is no shelter there for them there.
“The low level also means the island in the duck pond – which could be used as refuge from foxes – could be reached by animals.”

The issue has also been raised by the Friends of Queen’s Park.

A spokesman said the water level was “deteriorating badly” and that action was required from the council. He said: “The head of parks needs to start doing his job. “This pond and its inhabitants are now in danger.”

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “There is no threat to wildlife.
“The water level in the small pond at Queens Park is monitored on a daily basis, however, sustaining the correct water level will prevent frequent flooding of the paths around the pond and park.”