An investigation into an outbreak of blue green algae at Ashby Ville pond in Scunthorpe has found it is toxic.

Visitors and dog-walkers were urged to be "extremely careful" when at the nature reserve after a substance, which has later been identified as the dangerous blue green algae, was spotted.

Blue green algae can increase in water which is nutrient-rich, causing algal blooms. These blooms can produce toxins, which can kill wild animals, farm livestock and domestic animals.

North Lincolnshire Council confirmed an investigation was carried out with the Environment Agency to find out if the substance was blue green algae.

The Ashby Ville Local Nature Reserve in Scunthorpe, where complaints have been made about anti-social behaviour
Ashby Ville Local Nature Reserve in Scunthorpe, where there has been an outbreak of toxic blue green algae

The investigation found the substance to be toxic.

The council say visitors to the nature reserve must not go in or near the water or let their dogs go in the water.

A statement from the local authority said: "Since the outbreak was identified, council officers have put up warning signs at Ashby Ville and have been on site every day speaking to visitors about the dangers of going in the water.

"We now have a warden on site, seven days a week, to speak to visitors about the dangers of swimming in the pond and the blue green algae.

"Thankfully, the algae has been reducing at the pond but visitors are warned to stay vigilant and stay clear of the water."

Councillor Ralph Ogg, cabinet member for safer, greener and cleaner places, said: "As soon as we were made aware of what looks to be blue green algae in Ashby Ville pond, we contacted the Environment Agency to investigate.

Councillor Ralph Ogg, North Lincolnshire Council's cabinet member for safer, greener and cleaner places
Councillor Ralph Ogg, North Lincolnshire Council's cabinet member for safer, greener and cleaner places

"Now that they have confirmed the strain is toxic, it is important that people and animals don’t come into contact with the water or enter the pond.

"Despite the warning signs and our officers on site speaking to visitors, we have still had people swimming in the pond at Ashby Ville. It is important that visitors do not go in the water."

But Councillor Andrea Davison, who represents the Ashby Ward and is also chair of the Neighbourhood Action Team which covers the area, said more needs to be done.

"It has now been confirmed that the blue green algae in the lake is a toxin producing cyanobacteria which is potentially harmful to humans and animals.

Councillor Andrea Davison, who represents the Ashby Ward and is also chair of the Neighbourhood Action Team

"The council has issued an advisory warning to jet skiers and fisherman to halt activity on the water until it's given the all-clear They have also erected signs to warn visitors to the area and there will be security on site to warn people and to hand out leaflets.

"However, I do not believe this goes far enough. Advising people not to go into the water will not stop some who believe they are immune to the risks. The council should be acting responsibly and banning all activities on the water.

"This is a potential harmful algae and we should be using our corporate responsibility to ensure that we have done all we can to protect our communities until such time the algae dissipates or is completely eradicated. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that swimming in the lake is NEVER advised.

"There is a serious danger of drowning at any time of the year. I have spoken to council officers this morning and they have taken my comments on board and will hopefully do whatever is necessary to ensure that people and animals do not enter the water."

The warning over blue green algae comes two weeks after the council, together with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, urged people not to swim in open water areas such as Ashby Ville pond in hot weather.