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Youth activities hit by algae outbreak
A blue-green algae outbreak at Scotmans
Flash will disrupt a number of Wigan Council Youth Service summer
activities.
The Children and Young People’s Services Outdoor Education Team deliver
a number of projects and festivals on the flash throughout the year.
The team has suspended its Wind and Wave project, Thursday Canoeing,
Saturday Sailing, Saturday Canoeing and all activity on the flash
indefinitely.
The Youth Service’s annual water festival is also unlikely to go ahead
in July as planned after environmental experts warned the algae won’t
clear until the hot summer months have passed. As a result, the Outdoor
Education Team will have to transfer its work to other locations across
the borough.
Outdoor Education Team Manager Eric Bradbury said: “The algae is present
naturally in most water bodies but only blooms when there are warm
temperatures, periods of high sun intensity and a supply of nutrient,
all of which are in abundance on the flash at present. Swallowing or
swimming in the infected water can cause eye irritation, vomiting,
diarrhoea, skin rashes, muscular pains and fever. I am contacting all
those who have booked water activities on the flash to see if we can
provide them with alternatives.
“We last had an outbreak three years ago. Hopefully this isn’t another
sign of global warming and the algae won’t become a regular occurrence.
Youth activities hit by algae outbreak
“There are lots of disappointed people and I’d like to thank everyone
who has been in touch with us with offers of help and support. The
duration of the closure will depend on the weather but we will be in
touch with environmental health on a regular basis to review the
situation.
“All our staff and volunteers are rallying round to come up with
exciting and challenging alternative activities that will allow us to
maintain a busy summer programme, including the Canalside project and
the Haigh Hall Triathlon.”
For further information on the alternative activities that are being put
on by the CYPS Outdoor Education Team please telephone Eric Bradbury on
(01942) 769812.
-ends-
Notes to Editors
Photos attached
• Please find attached two photos of Eric Bradbury at Scotmans Flash and
a photo of young people taking part in water activities on it.
Further information
For further information please contact Kennedy Stewart, Young People’s
Press Officer at Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, on (01942) 486927
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