Investigation after 'sand and oil' found in Wirral boating lake

Hoylake Boating Lake had been empty and unusable for a few years before it was reopened in October last year after a long-awaited clean-up and refurbishment.

But within the last few days, a dirty mixture has been discovered in the lake. Some believe it was dumped and others say it is an algal bloom, which was described by one commentator as 'a fairly regular event in water after a sunny warm period'.

A council investigation is now underway to determine exactly what the substance is and how it has ended up in the lake. 

The mixture of what is believed to be sand and oil that has been dumped in Hoylake Boating Lake (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) Local campaigner Jackie Hall, who had organised a team of 20 volunteers to help sweep out the lake as part of its refurbishment, told the Globe: "The lake was fine earlier this week, the model boating club which uses it sailed their boats and it was lovely.

"They came along on Wednesday and found, whatever it is, dumped inside and on the surface. Somebody is deliberately ruining a community facility.

"It's been untouched since it was reopened in October. Everybody has been able to enjoy using it. It's the kids' summer holidays and look what's happened. 

"The council's environmental waste people will have to come out and decide what it is and whether it's safe, because you don't know what else could be in it."

Jackie Hall in front of the mess that has been dumped in Hoylake Boating Lake this week (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) Jackie continued: "It could be months before the lake can be used again. It's angered a lot of people, particularly because of the hard work, time and effort that led to its reopening.

"It's regularly used by Hoylake Model Boat Club, whose members are absolutely beside themselves. They came to sail on Wednesday morning and won't put their boats in now.

"It can't be used until this mess is cleared, because you don't know exactly what's in it.

"This is ruining the community's summer holidays for the children".

Sailing boats on Hoylake's refurbished boating lake during its relaunch on October 4 last year (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

Max Booth, Conservative councillor for Hoylake, Meols and Central West Kirby, had been involved in the lake refurbishment project since he was elected in May last year and has been down to see its condition this week.

He told the Globe: "This is such a shame to see, especially with the school summer holidays just starting.

"As local councillors, we've raised this issue with officers and council officials for immediate action.

"We appreciate Martin Jones, Wirral Council's general parks manager for the north area, for his swift visit to the site after this incident.

"Your councillors are on the case and will keep residents informed."

A Wirral Council spokesperson said: “Wirral Council is aware of a reported issue at Hoylake Boating Lake.

"Initial investigations point to this being algae, but further investigations are taking place. Action will be taken to clear this area of the Boating Lake, and ensure it does not re-occur, once these investigations are complete.”