A fresh round of investigation work is to attempt to solve the mystery of a water leak which has left a Victorian boating pond in southern Scotland high and dry.

There have been ongoing issues at the attraction in the tourist town of Moffat since a section of the wall surrounding it collapsed more than three years ago.

It has been a source of frustration for locals and visitors alike with a long-term solution proving difficult to find.

A new report to Dumfries and Galloway Council - which manages the park - has now suggested a range of options to try to return the facility to its former glory.

Some repair work has already been carried out at a cost of £35,000 but without success.

Despite efforts to top up the water from the nearby River Annan it has proved impossible to provide a reliable service.

A refill attempted last year found water was still escaping and an independent investigation has now been carried out into the cause.

Consultants have identified that tree roots and ground movement are the mostly likely reason for the leak and have recommended a phased approach to seeking a solution.

The local authority's environment and infrastructure committee is being asked to approve further investigative work in the south-west corner of the pond and other identified "risk areas".

A trial application of a "leak-sealing product" is also being advised.

However, a full pond liner - which would provide the "highest level of certainty" - is not being recommended due to a cost of up to £380,000, with no funding available to cover the work.

A report to councillors said that was "not considered proportionate" at this stage and a phased approach would represent better value for money.

It warned that failure to investigate the water loss could result in "further deterioration" of the pond, increased repair costs or even the loss of the boating pond as a recreational facility entirely.

Residents previously highlighted the situation via BBC Your Voice where people can suggest stories they feel should be reported.

They said Moffat used to pride itself on being a "jewel in the crown" of the region but now too many people were just driving past.

Visitors, too, described the pond as being left looking "a little bit sad".