Lochore Meadows triathlon in doubt as restrictions remain

Experts continuing to monitor incident at popular park

Environmental experts are still investigating the cause of a pollution incident at a popular Fife park.

A scare involving the death of scores of fish prompted warnings for the public to avoid contact with the loch at Lochore Meadows Country Park.

Just a week after the sun-kissed park enjoyed one of its busiest ever days, people were told to stay out of the water for the foreseeable future.

Around 200 fish were found dead due to an unknown contaminant last week.

The alarm was raised on Thursday evening, and signs have been erected near the water’s edge to make people aware of the situation.

While a number of water samples have been taken and studied by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), there have been no conclusive results garnered from the research.

Perch, pike, roach and eel were among the fish to have perished due to the pollution incident.

A spokeswoman said: “We have been made aware of a fish kill in Loch Ore, and are working closely with partners, including Fife Council, to establish the cause.

“Sepa officers have taken samples, which will be carefully analysed to assist with the investigation.

“If anyone is concerned about any incidents of potential pollution please call our 24 hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or use our online reporting form atsepa.org.uk/report”

Water hygiene testing will continue at the site and it is not clear when the warnings will be lifted.

The lack of clarity regarding the state of the water could put this weekend’s first Lochore off road triathlon event in jeopardy, as one of the full distance legs involves a 1,000-metre swim in the loch itself.

Organisers of Sunday’s race are said to be monitoring the situation closely before making any further announcements.

Park manager Ian Laing said: “Sadly the water at Lochore Meadows continues to be out of bounds while investigations continue.”

Earlier in the summer, there were warnings to keep dogs out of the water due to a bloom of blue-green algae.

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Sepa officers have taken samples, which will be carefully analysed. SPOKESWOMAN FOR SEPA

Picture: Steve Brown. Last year’s Tiger Escapade obstacle course race participants in the loch.