POOLE Park Lake is still turning green – just two weeks after specialist contractors removed tons of blanket weed from its surface.

The recent hot weather has encouraged the algae to continue growing, and it has returned to the model boating compound, one of the areas in which the contractors concentrated their efforts.

Poole Radio Yacht Club, which is based at the park, is unable to hold competitions and has had to cancel national championships as its alternative venue, the Sembcorp reservoir at Longham, has also affected by blanket weed.

“What they have done is cleared algae off the top, but it’s reappeared and we’ve still got a problems with tassel weed underneath. It’s not possible to sail,” said committee member Ray Steele.

“I’ve not really seen it this bad before. We’ve normally been able to keep sailing up to July, but this year has been really bad.”

Secretary Roy Cane said: “We have had weed problems for five years, but our membership has remained constant. I’ve never seen it as bad as this. We’ve got a shed full of boats and can’t sail any of them.”

Cllr Judy Butt, cabinet portfolio holder for parks at Borough of Poole, said: “We understand and share park users’ frustration. This is a common problem all over the country and we are doing all we can to tackle this issue safely.

“While we have a management programme for maintaining the lake, we must continue to work closely with experts to ensure we do not harm surrounding areas.”