Lake closed after hazardous blue-green algae found

A lake attraction which offers outdoor swimming, paddle sports and an aquapark has closed after blue-green algae was found on the water.

Alderford Lake, close to Whitchurch in Shropshire, said it had taken the decision for safety reasons and would remain closed until at least 13 July.

It said it would carry out more water tests in the meantime and had contacted people with bookings.

People are still able to walk around the lake and visit the non-water based activities, but a disclaimer must be signed, acknowledging the potential risks.

Dog owners have also been told to keep their pets on a lead and parents have been advised to keep their children away from the water.

The attraction - which hosted a music festival last weekend, with acts including Jess Glynne, Professor Green, and Artful Dodger - apologised and said: "We understand this news will be disappointing, particularly with the warm weather forecast."

It said it had been working with Shropshire Council and was taking "proactive measures to improve the water quality".

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, leads to poor water quality and the production of harmful toxins.

It can harm people, causing rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed, or can potentially kill wild animals, livestock and pets if ingested.

The algae is a collection of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams.

Under certain conditions, it can become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight.

When this occurs, blue-green algae can form blooms that discolour the water, or produce floating mats or scums on the water's surface.

This is not the first time Alderford Lake has been affected during the summer months, it was temporarily closed the same time last year, during hot weather.

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