I WRITE in response to the letter from Mrs Pilkington (Your Letters, August 10) regarding the condition of Clarence Lido.

This summer, the lido has suffered an invasion of blue-green algae which has discoloured the water. This is a natural phenomenon and is notoriously difficult to treat or prevent. The algae in the lido has been analysed by the Environment Agency and found to be potentially toxic to both humans and animals, hence the need for a fence to prevent access to the water.

The council is working with the Environment Agency in order to prevent the algae returning next year and will be undertaking investigations and remedial works during the coming months.

I would like to reassure Mrs Pilkington, and all the people who use the Jubilee Centre and the lido, that the council is committed to solving the algae problem and removing the fence as soon as possible.

COUNCILLOR

D. CASSIDY