Ref. 26204-99AN emergency operation could be launched over the next few days to save fish in a problem pond.

Swindon Council contacted the Environment Agency for help after noticing that Claridge's Pond off Swindon Road, in Lower Stratton had gone a peculiar colour.

Council spokesman Hellen Barnes said: "The council became aware of a problem with the pond and contacted the Environment Agency to send an emergency team to inspect the water.

"We are now waiting for the Environment Agency to let us know what their findings are."

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council clerk Bob Blake fears fish are being starved of oxygen.

"There are quite a variety of fish there," he said. "There have been problems with aeration of the enclosed pond before.

"All the carp are lying on their backs waving white flags."

The fishpond was starved of oxygen during the hot weather in August 2003 when thieves stole electrical generators which powered aerators.

Environment Agency officers placed two oxygen pumps in the pond to stabilise it but more than 250 fish, including bream, carp, roach and tench died.