A POPULAR lake has been declared a no-go area following an outbreak of potentially toxic algae.

The Blue-Green Algae at the ornamental lake at Southampton Common can cause stomach upsets in humans and dogs.

Anglers have been warned to stay away to allow the problem to clear naturally.

Fears are growing that thousands of fish could be killed as the algae causes bacteria and effects oxygen levels.

Parents are also being advised to ensure children do not go near the water and dog walkers are being told to keep their pets away.

Environmental experts admit they are concerned that many fish could be killed by the outbreak but say there is nothing they can do to cure the problem.

Their biggest fear is the fact the problem is made worse by hot weather.

Andy Welch, ecology and conservation officer at the city council, said: "If bacteria caused by the outbreak was found in the lake, one option would be to drain it.

"But if that was done then the fish would die anyway as if they were contaminated there would be nowhere we could put them."

Keen fisherman Brian Meek, from Millbrook, contacted the council after spotting several dead fish floating on the lake. But he claimed the deaths were due to the high numbers of fish in the lake and not by the algae outbreak.

In recent months the lake has been plagued with flooding during periods of heavy rain.