Anglers unable to use algae-hit Wolverhampton fishing pool
Anglers are unable to use a Wolverhampton fishing pool after it has been left covered in a blanket of green algae due to the soaring temperatures.
City council workers are now being drafted in to help clean up the Grapes Pool in Bilston which underwent a £280,000 revamp last year.
The algae – which officials say is non-toxic – is said to have spread so quickly because the pond is new and the weed's growth speeds up when the water is warmer.
Councillor Phil Page, for Bilston North ward, has called for the weed to be cleared away completely as quickly as possible.
He said: "I've had three people approach me about this so far.
"This has happened before. The algae certainly shouldn't be there and it needs to be cleaned up."
Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Paul Brown said: "Grapes Pool, like many new ponds and pools, is currently being affected by blanket weed, a non-toxic green algae.
"It can quickly cover the surface of new ponds such as Grapes Pool – particularly when the water warms up on hot days such as those the city is experiencing at present.
"The algae grows very rapidly in strong sunlight.
"The amount of algae usually decreases once new pond plants start to get established and begin to use up the excess nutrients which it uses to grow.
"The city council has engaged the services of experts to apply treatment to Grapes Pool which should reduce the algae over the course of the summer season.
"In addition, public realm services staff are raking the algae out of the pool to keep it as clear as possible despite the current weather conditions."
The revamp work at the Moseley Road pool took 12 months to complete, which included a four-month delay due to the heavy downpours in last June and July –before reopening last October.
New turfing, planting and landscaping was installed as part of the scheme. Paths were also surfaced and some seating was installed. The pool was also fully drained and refilled with water and was restocked with fish. Grass seed was laid on the field to the south of the pond.
Developers first moved on to the site in October 2011 to remove silt, repair a leak and start extensive landscaping work.
New signage was also put up.
Residents and councillors spent months campaigning for the work at Grapes Pool to take place.
