FIRST weeds and algae turned it a swampy Amazonian green.

Now Poole Park lake has been dyed an inky shade of blue in the latest attempt to stem the rampant spread of unwelcome plantlife.

The harmless vegetable-based dye was added after last week’s attempt to flush out the algae proved unsuccessful.

Darkening the water will restrict the amount of sunlight being absorbed and, hopefully, cut off the weeds’ main stimulant.

Users of the saltwater lake are hoping the new measures make an impact on the blanket weed and tasselweed soon.

Rockley Watersports said their activities had been disrupted and fear business could fall away.

Centre manager Luke Beasley said: “It’s had a massive impact on us.

“The weed clogs the engines of our power boats and the rudders of the sailing boats.

“It’s not very pleasant for people who fall into the water.”

Ruben Correia, assistant manager at the lakeside Mezza Luna restaurant, said customers had been commenting on how “awful” the water looks.

Regular park user John Adam described the weeds as an eyesore.

The combination of hot sunlight and high nutrient levels has prompted the weed explosion, which now covers around half the lake.

Cllr Peter Adams, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, reiterated that the weeds posed no health risk.

Despite the presence of a “very low level” of an algae which has in other areas led to the potential for toxic blue/green algae, the lake was perfectly safe to use.