Ducks run the risk of being eaten by foxes after the scorching heat turned their pond into a mere puddle.

Angel Pond, in Mill Hill, which is a refuge for ducks, is often topped up by the fire brigade when water levels get low.

But Affinity Water banned them from doing this because it could affect the “sensitive nature of habitats.”

Mark Warren a Mill Hill resident and member of Facebook group Inside Mill Hill, said: “ Over recent years the pond has been losing more and more water, drying up completely this year due to the exceptionally hot weather this season.

“In the past, the fire brigade has graciously topped up the pond; however this year it has been left to stay dry at the behest of Affinity Water.

“Unfortunately this means that the ducklings have been lost to foxes and can no longer be protected.”

The residents near the pond are attached to the ducks and build refuges for them in the hope to spare them from predators.

The ducks even nest in the gardens of some residents and once hatched, the new family is escorted by the homeowner to the pond.

Caroline Oliver, who lives in Mill Hill, said: “What has been a fine example of community spirit, an educational endeavour affecting more than just the natural environment, has been changed, potentially forever, by the actions of Affinity Water.”

An Affinity Water spokesperson said: “We provide treated, tap water for customers and have a responsibility to maintain resources and supplies for them.

“Natural ponds are normally filled with ground or rainwater. We are not permitted, without authorisation, to discharge treated water into the natural environment due to the sensitive nature of habitats.

“This is an environmental incident which we have reported to the Environment Agency.”