A large algae bloom has spread across most of Poole Park’s 50-acre boating lake in Dorset, producing a strong smell and disrupting visitors and businesses. A nearby restaurant says takings have fallen by 65 per cent, while model-boat users, pedalo operators and swans have been affected by the thick green surface; critics say the council has acted too slowly.

The bloom developed rapidly during the summer, with hot weather and works to rebuild the lake’s sluice channel cited as contributing factors. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council says it has begun removing algae where practical, will carry out further clearance sessions and is flushing the lagoon during suitable spring tides, while noting similar growth elsewhere in shallow parts of Poole Harbour.