Wiltshire lake remains closed after toxic algae found

Park staff in Warminster are praying for a change in the weather to solve a toxic bloom problem affecting the town’s lake.

The lake in Warminster town park has been hit by the dangerous Blue-Green Algae which is toxic and harmful to both humans and dogs.

Warminster Town Council was forced to close the lake at the Lake Pleasure Grounds on Tuesday, July 2 following the discovery.

A sign tells residents the Warminster lake is closed until further notice and warns dog owners to keep their pets away from the water. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Stuart Legg, parks and estate manager for Warminster Town Council, said: "Unfortunately, the town council has closed the lake in the park due to the discovery of a Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria) bloom.

“This means that the boats will not be available to hire and the model boat club will not be meeting at the park.

"Blue-Green Algae can be toxic and the advice from the Environment Agency is to keep people and pets away from the water.

“Warminster Town Council are working with The Environment Agency and will re-open the lake as soon as safe to do so."

Mr Legg said the council is "waiting for a change in the weather" in the hope the Blue-Green Algae bloom will disappear naturally.

He has consulted the Environment Agency and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and says they will need either rain or a high volume of very bright sunshine to clear the bloom.

The closure of the lake means that boaters, including the town’s model boating club, will be unable to use it and dogs should also not be allowed to go into the water.

The town council banned boating on the lake on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 and apologised for any inconvenience caused.

The Lake Pleasure Grounds are one of the most popular recreational attractions in Warminster.

Mr Legg added: “Facilities at Warminster Lake Pleasure Grounds remain open despite the lake currently being closed. The Pavilion Café, skate park, splash pad, play areas, putting green and tennis courts all remain open.

“The Lake Pleasure Grounds will host bands in the Bandstand on Saturday, 6th July, followed by Inspire Music Festival on Sunday, 7th July.”

The dangerous Blue-Green Algae has also previously affected the nearby Shearwater Lake on the Longleat Estate, although it is now open again for coarse fishing.