Lake closed after spate of illnesses

A West Sussex lake has been closed until further notice after multiple people who entered the water got sick.

Horsham District Council (HDC) has confirmed a number of illness cases believed to be related to Southwater Country Park lake since 25 June.

The paddling beach area was temporarily shut as a precautionary measure, though the closure has since been extended following a risk review.

The local authority called the situation at the lake "another impact of climate change".

HDC added: "A long dry period, combined with two heatwaves in recent weeks, has helped to create an environment in which bacteria can thrive.

"The nature of the lake, which is rainwater filled, and without an inflow or outflow, will have contributed towards that."

The council said that it would review longer-term options to use and access the lake.

HDC has been responsible for Southwater Country Park for more than 40 years, it sad.

"This is the first time that the decision has been taken to close access due to concerns around water safety," it added.

"The lake is an open body of water which is untreated and so water quality is variable," the council said.

"There are dangers and risks associated with accessing all open water areas that may well contain harmful bacteria".

The council said that the lake could only be used through Southwater Watersports Centre, who provides managed access with "mitigations in place".

It earlier urged people not to climb the fence to attempt to enter the water.

The Environment Agency previously told the BBC that the lake at Southwater Country Park was "not a bathing water so is not regularly tested for bacteria".

"There are more than 450 sites across the country where regular testing is carried out," it added.

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