downsmail.co.uk
Vets’warning after toxic algae is spoed at lakes
THE public and pet owners are being urged to stay away from Leybourne Lakes after tests re- vealed a toxic cocktail of blue green algae is present in thewater. Signs have now been put up
warning people about the water- bourne bloom, which poses a risk to human and animal health if con- sumed. They were put up by Tonbridge
and Malling Council after Snod- land dog owner Vicki-Jane Gabriel reported her spaniel Ralph fell gravely ill, requiring medical atten- tion, after taking a swim at the lakes. Vets are now joining the council
inwarning that the foam-like blue- green algae can cause worrying symptoms, including convulsions and liver failure in humans and pets if swallowed. Dr Huw Stacey, from Vets4Pets
which has an outlet in Maidstone, said: “There are many different types of algae and most do not pro- duce toxic compounds, but expo- sure to blue-green algae can be fatal to dogs, within a few minutes or a few days, depending on the type of
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Ralph the spaniel fell ill after a swim in the lake
exposure.” Tonbridge and Malling Council
and the Environment Agency are urging residents and pet owners to avoid the areas infected with the algae at Leybourne Lakes Country Park until it has naturally broken down. It is thought the slime turned toxic because of the warm weather, forming a suffocating oxy- gen-zapping blanket on the water which also kills wildlife and fish. Darren Lanes, head of leisure for Tonbridge and Malling Council confirmed that recent water tests have confirmed that blue green algae is present in the lake at Ley-
bourne Lakes Country Park and until the bloom has naturally dis- persed and there is no longer a po- tential risk, signs will remain in place and people are asked to avoid the affected areas. He added: “All waterbodies can contain naturally-occurring blue green algae, which is not harmful in its dormant state. In some cli- matic conditions, this algae can form a bloom on the surface of the water. “This bloom is not uncommon
but can be extremely harmful to dogs and can cause sickness in peo- ple if digested.”
News New clerk’s
festive touch IT’S Christmas all year round at West Malling, where the parish council haswelcomed its new clerk. Claire Christmas
says she is used to the comments on her festive surname. “It’s a lovely name until November and then it can get a bit much,” she said. She takes from Carole D’Silvawho
is retiring after 23 years in the role. Clairewas legal adviser to magis-
trates at Maidstone for 11 years, leaving in 2005 to set up her own events company. For the last couple of years, she has been working with her husband in his graphic design business. A mother of two children aged 18 and 13, she has lived inWest Malling for more than 20 years. She said: “West Malling is going through a busy time with a lot of change and I amlooking forward to the challenge.” Outgoing clerk Carole (73) said
she had thoroughly enjoyed her years at the parish council, with Cllr Trudy Dean as chairman. She said: “I have had a few health issues and amlooking forward to taking things easier. I have made many good friends and hope those relationships will continue.”
downsmail.co.uk
Malling October 2016
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