The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
TOXIC ALGAE AT FERRY MEADOWS
Lake is taped off and visitors warned Water sports are off limits at Gunwade Lake in Ferry Meadows after a positive test for blue-green algae.
The algae was detected last Friday with the Environment Agency returning since to see if it has disappeared.
The results of the re-test are expected this week.
Blue-green algae can be toxic for animals, and cause severe illnesses in humans.
Gunwade Lake plays host to water sports and activities at Nene Outdoors.
Signs were erected at the edge of the lake this week warning people not to enter the water.
One read: “Be Aware! “Due to the hot weather there (are) high amounts of toxic blue-green algae forming in the lakes. Please stay out of the water & keep dogs on leads.”
Part of the lake had also been taped off. Sports that take place there include fishing, sailing and canoeing.
James Sainsbury, centre manager at Nene Outdoors, said: “We’ve asked the Environment Agency to come back and do a re-test. We’re waiting for the results.
“Ninety-nine per cent of the water sports and activities around the water are still restricted because the highest risk is to people accessing the edges of the lake.”
A statement on the website of Nene Park Trust, which runs Ferry Meadows, added: “Blue-green algae can be dangerous to dogs who may swim and drink affected water.
“It is very important to keep dogs out of the algae and ensure they drink only clean water. There is also a risk to humans from rashes and potential illnesses if swallowed.”
The growth of blue-green algae has been fuelled by the recent hot weather.It had been suspected earlier in the summer that there was bluegreen algae in Lynch Lake at Ferry Meadows, but tests came back negative.
The very warm weather is also believed to have encouraged the spread of Dutch Elm Disease which infected a rare elm tree near the country park’s Visitor Centre, meaning it had to be chopped down.