Popular Newhaven lake closed due to dry weather and sewage leaking

Piddinghoe Lake, a popular site for East Sussex water sports, has been closed by the Commodore of Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club until further notice.

The group says the health of the lake is at a ‘all time low’ following the the extremely dry weather and sudden downpour in the last few weeks.

Because of this, Seaford Sailing Club say a large number of fish are dying and claim there is a strong smell of sewage leaking from adjoining properties.

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The club said in a statement: “Unfortunately, following the extremely dry weather and sudden downpour the health of Piddinghoe Lake is at an all-time low, lots of the fish are dying, the Environment Agency is pumping air into the water and there is a strong smell of sewage leaking from adjoining properties.

“For that reason, we are taking the decision to close the lake to all users until further notice, which hopefully won’t be too long.”

According to the Environment Agency, around 100 fish have died in the lake in this period, but say there is no obvious signs of pollution.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Inspections carried out by our fisheries specialists suggest although around 100 fish have died that there are no obvious signs of pollution, but investigations are ongoing.

"Our officers continue to advise the fishery owners and have lent them equipment to boost oxygen levels in the pond to limit the possibility of further fish deaths.”