I
Ian Cloke
Guest
Water tests carried out after hundreds of fish died at a nature reserve in Lancashire have proved inconclusive.
The Environment Agency said it might never be known why oxygen levels plummeted at Longton Brickcroft reserve, Preston, last month.
Experts thought a pollutant caused the problem, but tests could not confirm the presence of any toxic substances.
South Ribble Council has no plans to restock the south pond with fish until they are sure it is safe.
Park Rangers were alerted to the problem on 5 September after anglers noticed there were dead fish appearing at the sides of the pond.
Longton Angling Society members helped Park Rangers remove at least 25 bin liners full of dead fish after the incident.
Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, of South Ribble Council, said news of the inconclusive tests had come as a blow.
"Losing so many fish has impacted greatly on the angling society, and the Brickcroft as a whole," said Mr Tomlinson.
"It's extremely disappointing that the results of water tests carried out by the Environment Agency have not been able to tell us exactly what happened."
The council is now urging people not to feed the ducks around the south pond in case decaying bread further affects oxygen levels.
The Environment Agency is now carrying out further tests at the site.
The Environment Agency said it might never be known why oxygen levels plummeted at Longton Brickcroft reserve, Preston, last month.
Experts thought a pollutant caused the problem, but tests could not confirm the presence of any toxic substances.
South Ribble Council has no plans to restock the south pond with fish until they are sure it is safe.
Park Rangers were alerted to the problem on 5 September after anglers noticed there were dead fish appearing at the sides of the pond.
Longton Angling Society members helped Park Rangers remove at least 25 bin liners full of dead fish after the incident.
Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, of South Ribble Council, said news of the inconclusive tests had come as a blow.
"Losing so many fish has impacted greatly on the angling society, and the Brickcroft as a whole," said Mr Tomlinson.
"It's extremely disappointing that the results of water tests carried out by the Environment Agency have not been able to tell us exactly what happened."
The council is now urging people not to feed the ducks around the south pond in case decaying bread further affects oxygen levels.
The Environment Agency is now carrying out further tests at the site.