Toxic algae shuts Basingstoke Canal stretch

The algae can cause skin, eye and stomach problems

A stretch of a canal in Hampshire has been closed after toxic algae was found.

The Environment Agency has introduced restrictions on the Basingstoke Canal from Ash Lock to Greywell until further notice.

The agency said the blue-green algae is naturally occurring but can cause skin rashes and eye irritation or vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle joint pain.

Signs have been erected warning against touching or going in the water.