A HUSBAND who could have been ordered to fill in a garden pond after complaints about a noisy pump has won a reprieve.

John Howard

A HUSBAND who could have been ordered to fill in a garden pond after complaints about a noisy pump has won a reprieve.

Matthew Jones and his disabled wife Alison had been concerned that they would have to replace the water feature at their home in Cherry Tree Road, Stowmarket, with decking, as well as reduce the height of a pergola.

The couple were told by Mid Suffolk District Council that there had been complaints about the noise from a pump, and the pond may have to go because they never gained planning permission.

But last night Mr Jones, 36, who is a full-time carer to his wife, said he has agreed to reduce the noise from the pump by boxing it in - meaning he can keep the water feature.

“I think this is brilliant, a lot of work went into this and the family love it,” he said. “The children are always feeding the fish and we have some lovely big koi carp in there which are lovely to see. We are so glad that we can keep it.”

Mrs Jones, 40, said: “I am so thrilled to hear that we have won the day and can keep the pond. I have a muscular problem so have difficulty walking and have to use a mobility scooter to get about. To be able to sit by the water in our garden and see the fish is something I really enjoy.

“Lots of people have been asking us what is happening and are interested and we are so happy to hear we will not lose it.

“We have been advised that we may have to reduce the height of the pergolas, but that is fine, the main thing was to keep the water.”

The feature has been in situ for about 12 months and is very popular with the couple and their four children, Sapphire, 10, Jermaine, nine, Shequita, seven, and Lemar, four.

A spokeswoman for Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We will not be taking any action against Mr and Mrs Jones.”