Plea to dog owners at Guernsey reservoir

The reservoir holds about 25% of the island's total stored water

Dog walkers in Guernsey should not let their pets off the lead near the island's reservoir, environment experts and the island's water company say.

Environment Guernsey and Guernsey Water said they had had several report of dogs running free on the Millennium Walk, despite signs in the area warning it is not permitted.

The organisations said the balance of nature "could be upset".

The reservoir holds about 240m gallons - 25% of the island's stored water.

Jamie Hooper - of Environment Guernsey, which maintains the Millennium Walk - said: "Studies have shown domestic dogs can have a severe impact on wildlife, with both diversity and species abundance reduced significantly".

Guernsey Water said the area was "a nature reserve first and foremost".

It added: "That's why rules are in place to ensure dogs are kept on leads, litter is carefully disposed of and bicycles are not used on the walk."