A popular beauty spot has been sealed off following public health concerns.
The lake at Taylor Park, in St Helens, is a popular spot for dog walkers and sightseers. However, last week the lake was closed off after an outbreak of blue-green algae which can kill your pets and be harmful to humans.
St Helens Council has placed signs in the park warning people about the closure and to stay clear of the water. The lake remains closed and the council say that daily tests are being carried out on the water.
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Notices displayed on the park read: "Due to blue-green algae keep clear of the water. Avoid contact with any algal scum. Do not allow your pets to enter or drink the water. No swimming at any time or water activity."
Blue-green algae naturally occur in inland waters, estuaries and the sea but blooms can form when their numbers become excessive. According to the Environment Agency's website, scums form during calm weather when several bloom-forming species rise to the surface of the water.
This can look like paint, jelly or form small clumps and may be blue-green, grey-green, a greenish -brown or occasionally a reddish-brown in colour. Bloom and scum forming blue-green algae can produce toxins which can kill wild animals as well as domestic pets and farm livestock.
A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said: "The lake is still closed but the situation is monitored daily.
"We are in close contact with the Environment Agency who undertake testing and will advise us when the lake is safe to reopen."
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