'Shocking' Swindon lake fish deaths as oxygen levels drop

Hundreds of fish have died after oxygen levels suddenly dropped in a popular fishing lake.

Aerators have been deployed by the Environment Agency (EA) in Peatmoor Lake in Swindon, to bring the levels back up to normal.

Members of a local Facebook group said it had been a "harrowing" experience to see so many dead and distressed fish.

An EA spokesperson said water samples had been taken to try to find the source of the problem.

They said: "We are investigating a number of fish deaths and fish in distress on the Peatmoor Lagoon, Swindon.

"We deployed aerators to increase oxygen levels and create a safe haven for fish, and have taken water samples to help identify the cause.

Anglers who use the fishing lake suspect a pollutant entered the water

"Members of the public who spot fish in distress should report it to our 24/7 incident hotline [phone], so that we can investigate."

The BBC understands algal bloom is one of the suspected causes being investigated.

David Richens, from Peatmoor & Sparcells Facebook Group, said there had been a "severe oxygen crash" on Tuesday that had killed "thousands of fish".

"It is believed to be caused by a pollutant entering the lake."

The dead fish began coming to the surface on Tuesday morning

"The Environment Agency have had at least four aerators in the lake most of the day," Mr Richens added.

"The [oxygen] levels have risen slightly. The EA have also had several water samples taken and the club and the EA should have results in the next couple of days.

"It's been a very harrowing day."

The Environment Agency has been using aerators to restore oxygen levels in the lake

Local resident Teresa Clerck said: "It was just shocking seeing those fish still alive in the lake struggling to get oxygen.

"You could see vast numbers of small fish near the water surface in different parts of the lake.

"Sadly, there were also many dead bodies of larger fish."

Environment Agency staff have been on site since Tuesday

A spokesperson for Thames Water said: "We've proactively investigated the issues at Peatmoor Lagoon and while it's not a pollution from our network, we've been supporting the EA with its investigations."

A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: "We are working with the Environment Agency and Peatmoor Fishing Club to ensure the lagoon can be a thriving hub once again.

"Our warden team visited the site yesterday to assist in the clean-up of the fish and we are awaiting more information from the Environment Agency with regards to what has happened."