Efforts are being made to combat the growing concern over algae blooms in fishing ponds near Winsford.

The growth of algae creates water quality issues and causes lowered oxygen levels in ponds and lakes which could suffocate fish.

A technique to combat these blooms has been tried at the National Pool in the Weaver Parkway near Winsford using bales of straw barley floating on the surface of the water.

As the straw decomposes it releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of algae.

Gavin Gerhold, the fishery manager for the Winsford and District Angling Association, said: “We have received a number of enquiries from the public on what these islands are and why we are doing it.

“We don’t expect this to be a quick fix and it will take a number of years to re-establish the water quality levels to a point we can restock the pool.”

Currently, National Pool has four islands with 14 straw bales put together by a group of volunteers and all the materials were supplied by the angling group.

Problems with this unicellular organism are an increasing concern as nutrient concentrations in water change from surrounding human activity and natural processes.

Herbicides are unpopular for environmental and public health reasons, but if used, the chemicals would decimate other plants as well, allowing the algae to regrow stronger again without competition.

Therefore straw bales offer a constant supply of inhibitors throughout the year, decomposing and releasing more inhibitors during the warmer months, while posing little risk to the environment.

Mr Gerhold hopes that by next year the algae bloom will have reduced to a manageable level and they can re-introduce a supply of fish and see how they get on.