An empty pond in a Friern Barnet park is filling the Friends of Friary Park with concern.

Despite the many improvements to the park over the past few years, a mistake in constructing the eco pond has left it empty because it was dug too high and the water is draining out.

The Friends are now investigating ways of refilling the pond but they are not optimistic about being able to maintain the water level.

At a public meeting at the Old Town Hall last week, local residents also voiced concerns over problems of plant theft caused by the park's gates being left open.

But there was also some good news as the Friends revealed the park is soon to get a full-time warden and there will be brass band concerts once a month at the teahouse.

The warden, whose job will be to police the park, looking out for vandals, litter or graffiti, will start work in the summer. And Friary Park isn't the only one to benefit from this Barnet council-funded service ,, Sunny Hill in Hendon and Oak Hill in East Barnet are also in line to get friendly park policeman to help keep them green and clean.

Dog walkers will also have to be extra wary this summer as a new Pick It or Ticket scheme comes into effect with on the spot fines for pets fouling the footpath.

For details call 020 8445 3118.