Brightlingsea boating lake remains closed while further work continues to try and clear it of toxic blue-green algae.

Brightlingsea Town Council (BTC) closed the Promenade Way lake after the discovery of the algae, which can kill domestic pets and cause skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and fainting in humans.

Since the closure in May, BTC says further testing has shown algae levels remain high and it now plans to use a pump to add more salt water to the lake. Rowing boat hire – operated by the 4th Brightlingsea Scouts – and use by the Brightlingsea Model Boat Club has been suspended.

Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, is a collection of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. A combination of shallow water and strong sunlight – such as during the current warm spell – means it can form blooms that discolour the water or floating mats or scum on the surface.

Further information on the algae can be found here.