Dear Sir

I feel I must again comment on the state of the boating lakes and the lack of care and attention given to them.  I walk my dog round there regularly sometimes twice daily. At this time of year, what should be a beautiful sight with all the ducks, swans and geese making themselves at home on the lakes it is nothing but a disgrace due to neglect by whichever, body is responsible for it’s upkeep. It is an absolute eyesore – so much so that even the wildlife cannot make themselves at home on it. It is pitiful watching the ducks trying to find a clear space amongst the slime.

Both lakes are covered in algae/green slime etc. and iti s just a dumping ground for those who hang around there drinking – disposing of their empty beer bottles and cans – not to mention broken glass from beer bottles.

Surely what should be one of the most beautiful places in the area deserves to be maintained and kept up to standard. Perhaps as one option, the powers that be could provide some of the people doing community service with waders and nets etc. I’m sure that a few people working on the problem could make a huge difference. Such a waste of a beautiful area. in the town.Irene Bowell

RESPONSE FROM TOWN COUNCIL OFFICER

There has been some public concern about the algal bloom on West Park Boating Lake over recent weeks following the recent hot weather.  This is a national problem on many shallow manmade inland ponds, particularly on sites which have high populations of waterfowl.

Whilst the bloom does make the lakes appear unattractive, it does not cause a hazard to health for humans and if managed should not cause a problem to wildlife.  The water quality has been tested and monitored over the last few years by an independent water analyst and on every occasion the water tests have proved the water is safe.

The bloom is a temporary annual problem on the lakes and the Council applies a soluble formulation of bacteria and enzymes called Symbio Blue Water, which competes with the algae to help reduce its rapid reproduction in the water.

The lakes are litter picked on a regular basis to ensure that debris is not allowed to build up in the algal bloom, which would make the lakes look an eyesore.

Steve Cooper, Environment Officer, Great Aycliffe Town Council