Dozens of dead fish have been discovered in a lake at Firs Park in Leigh, Wigan, prompting concerns from local residents and officials. Reports of deceased pike floating on the pond on Hulme Road were first made over the weekend.
Environment Agency blames dry weather
The Environment Agency has pointed to the recent period of extreme dry weather as a likely cause, suggesting the natural pool may have warmed to dangerous levels for wildlife. An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Periods of dry weather can have several environmental consequences, such as deoxygenating water that can lead to fish kills.”
Reform councillor for Leigh West, David Evans, said he visited the site and found dozens of dead fish. “When I went down last night, I walked around the pond and seen 14 dead fish,” he told the M.E.N. “The main concerns are the water level is way too low. As a result the water is eaten up a lot quicker with the sun. When I was there last night the temperature was 21.18C in the water. The pike are the first to be sensitive to the heated water. They're your first warning.”
Councillor raises safety and wildlife concerns
Councillor Evans also called on the council to address longstanding issues at the park, which he believes contributed to the low water levels. “I did discover while I was there, on the pond there's an island in the middle. The water level is so low that the backend of the pond its dry,” he said. “That's a massive health and safety issue because it's the school holidays. Kids will try and get on that island where all the geese eggs are and you don't know which is dry and which isn't so people could sink.”
He added: “There's another pond further along which is Fir Tree flash. The inlet from the flash to the pond is blocked and has been for a few good few years. It's a massive wildlife issue, there are birds in the middle of that island. We don't want kids going near these scaring them off from nesting. It's all down to the neglect from the council.”
Council monitoring situation
A Wigan Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the reports of dead fish in Firs Park in Leigh, and have been liaising with partners to monitor the situation and support the long-term improvement of the lake.”
The Environment Agency urged anyone who witnesses fish in distress or mortality to report it immediately to their 24-hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
