Algae cleared from public lake for second time

Special equipment is used to scoop up the algae

Invasive weeds have been cleared for the second time in three months from a lake used by families.

Green algae was removed from Canoe Lake in Southsea, Portsmouth, last week.

The work sees paddles, attached to a craft mounted on caterpillar tracks, drive into the water to chop and scoop up the weeds.

Prolonged periods of warm weather helps the algae to thrive, Portsmouth City Council said.

Families often barbecue or picnic at the site, and pedal boats can be hired for sailing across Canoe Lake.

It was previously cleared of algae in June.

The city council said maintenance teams regularly visited the site to clean the water as often as possible.

Steve Pitt, leader of the authority, said: "Whilst we cannot always predict and control the build-up of algae and bacteria, we are aware that the warmer weather can encourage this.

"The team has been working hard to clear the algae, carry out tests, and change the water to bring the lake to the best condition possible."