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| The boating lake in watery times earlier this year |
AN assurance had today been given that every effort will be made to save the drought-threatened fish in Cleethorpes boating lake.
In some places, the water is only a few inches deep, putting the finny creatures at ever-increasing risk.
Says a spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council: "We are working with an experienced fisheries company to monitor the fish.
"We will look at the options to protect them if the water level deteriorate further."
According to NELC, there is now not enough water in the lake to keep the pumps running, and this will affect aeration, potentially depleting oxygen.
The spokesperson continues: "Sadly, the boating lake - and many other ponds and water courses across the country - are suffering because of the drought.
"There is nothing we can do about the water levels until there is more rainfall and the lake fills again naturally.
"The borehole we normally use for water supply in this area is unavailable due to the dry weather.
"We contacted Anglian Water, and they advised us that we cannot top up the lake up from their supplies.
“We also made enquiries with the Environment Agency to consider an application for legal consent to move water from other natural water sources. However, we have been advised that consent is unlikely."
On the plus side, the council is taaking the opportunity to remove trolleys and other rubbish that have become visible.
It is understood that the lake also contains a population of terrapins - illegally introduced when they were no longer wanted by their owners.
The authority has not said what might happen to them.
Rowing boats are moored up because the water is now so shallow
The lake's fountain has now been reduced to a dribble
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| Any exposed fish will provide easy pickings for this watchful heron perched on the boating lake bridge |
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