Lake closed to the public as poison algae takes hold

Aug 4 2007 by Paula Owens, Liverpool Daily Post

A MERSEYSIDE marine lake has been closed because it is contaminated with potentially dangerous algae.

Tests have revealed the presence of toxic blue-green algae, which can make people unwell and prove fatal to small animals, in Crosby marine lake.

Warning signs have been posted around the lake – which is near Crosby beach, the home of Antony Gormley’s famous iron men – advising the public to stay out of the water.

Dog walkers are being advised to keep their pets on a lead, as the algae could cause the pets severe illness or even death. Contact with foam or scum at the water’s edge should also be avoided.

The lake is used regularly by local windsurfing, sailing and canoeing clubs, as well as by model boat enthusiasts.

Graham Bayliss, Sefton’s leisure services director, said: “It is unfortunate that we have had to take this step, but it is in the interests of public safety that the decision has been made.

“We have contacted the local groups who use the lake to make them aware of the decision.

“The algae has been known to make people unwell and has also proven fatal for small dogs. We would urge people not to use the water at this time.”

He added the authority, together with the Environment Agency and Environmental Protection Unit and other partners, would continue to monitor the situation.

Roger Lamming, the Environment Agency’s environment manager for Merseyside, said: “The lake suffers from high nutrients which in hot weather contribute to the rise in blooming.

“We are advising that people and animals stay away from the lake.”

A spokesman for Sefton council said it was not possible to say how long the problem would last. He said: “The algae is naturally occurring and no quick-fix measures can be taken to stop it forming.

“However, options are being considered on ways to tackle it.”

A year-long study, conducted by aquatic scientists APEM and published in July, found that the blue-green algae was blooming in the lake not just in summer months, as previously thought, but in winter too.

The problem was getting worse each year due, among other things, to a lack of salt.

APEM advised the council to tackle the recurring problem before a proposed £7.6m watersports centre opens on the site.

Sefton Water Centre, which is expected to be completed in December, 2008, will be equipped for Olympic sports and will be a centre of excellence for disabled competitors.

A suggested two-year action plan to clean up the lake includes raising salt levels and introducing mussels and water plants.

paulaowens