A rescue plan to restore a disused pond in Dalbeat tie has won overwhelming backing from residents.
All options were on the table at a well-attended public meeting in the lesser town hall.
But only one – saving the once well-kept water feature in Colliston Park – found favour among the 60-strong audience.
The decision means Dalbeattie Community Council can now press ahead with its pond action plan.
Chairman Robert McGoldrick said: “There were no other counter-proposals. There seems to be a consensus in the town.
“Next stage is to get a survey done on the pond to see what it is going to cost to repair it and bring it back up.”
Mr McGoldrick was impressed by the community response to an appeal for support and ideas.
“I was really astonished at the number of people that turned up,” he said. “It just shows how strongly people in the town feel about keeping the pond.
“I’m really pleased that folk from Dalbeattie stood up and said ‘we want our pond back’.
“We took lots of names from people interested in becoming part of the pond group and also from people wanting to raise money.
“A lot of folk agreed to physically help with the work as well. Folk were volunteering without being asked.”
Mr McGoldrick added: “It’s feeling like what Dalbeattie used to be.
“We are still going to have to fight our corner but I think that’s going to happen.
“We will be working together with the council on this.”
The pond is on the agenda at the next community council meeting.
More than £36,000 has been set aside for the pond project but it is likely to cost considerably more.
In years gone by the pond was well maintained and was a popular attraction for locals and visitors.
But recently leaking concrete has meant the water has drained away and left slimy mud behind.
