Park pool fish die as oxygen level plummets

Up to 100 fish have died in a West Brom-wich pool because of low oxygen levels caused by decaying algae, Environment Agency bosses have said.

Fish were found dead or dying in the pool at Dartmouth Park.

Environment Agency officers launched an investigation and have now said that oxygen levels were low in the water because algae was dying as a result of recent sudden changes in temperature.

Park bosses have now ordered in two water pumps which they will install at the site for the next few days in a bid to aerate the water and prevent more deaths. A visitor to the Lloyd Street park alerted officers at Sandwell Valley Country Park that there were dead fish in the pool and that others were gasping for air.

Senior countryside ranger Matt Darby said: "We called out the Environment Agency who said the fish were dying due to low oxygen levels. We then decided to ask the fire brigade to help us out." Firefighters spent around two hours pumping out water from the pool and spraying it back in after the dead fish were discovered. Park bosses then spent yesterday morning removing dozens of dead fish from the water.

Mr Darby added: "We tried to get them all but I know there are still some there, and we will try and clear them as soon as possible.

"We are very grateful to the fire service for all they did to help. "

James Brewster visits the park daily and said he had spotted dead fish in the pool.

The 66-year old, from Overend Street in West Bromwich, said:"It is just awful to see the fish floating on the top like that."