Lakes in Liverpool parks closed off amid fears over toxic algae

A warning has been issued over fears toxic algae could be in a number of park lakes in Liverpool, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The public is being urged to stay away from the lakes in Liverpool amid concerns that a harmful toxin is spreading from a blue-green algae bloom caused by the recent heatwave. Liverpool City Council has ordered the banning of swimming, fishing and boating at lakes in Sefton Park, Walton Hall Park and Newsham Park whilst tests are carried out.

The toxin can cause vomiting in humans and prove life threatening to animals, and the council is warning dog walkers not to allow their pets to get near the water. Water samples have been sent to the Environment Agency for a toxicology report and until the results are back, the lakes will remain off limits.

If the results are negative, the precautionary lake ban will be immediately lifted but if the toxin text is positive, it is anticipated it will take a month for the lakes to be treated and given a clean bill of health.

Blue-green algae blooms are not uncommon in summer, especially during a warm weather spell as recently experienced, according to the Liverpool Echo. The parks themselves will remain open to the public.

Councillor Sharon Connor, cabinet member for regeneration and highways, says: “Although the presence of a toxin has not been confirmed at this stage, we realise that blue-green algae can cause a health risk, particularly to young children and animals.

“Until the test results come back on the water samples in these lakes, we have no other option than to stop all activity. These types of algae blooms are not unusual in warm weather, and a number of steps are being taken to aerate the lakes to prevent it spreading.”