Over £1,000 worth of fish die as hot weather hits oxygen levels at Whitchurch pool

Volunteers and supporters have been helping restore oxygen levels in Whitchurch's Queensway Playing Fields pond by pumping in more water.

Rob Hewson, chairman of Queensway Playing Fields, said the low oxygen levels were due to a spell of hot weather and low rainfall.

Firefighters from Whitchurch have also stepped in to help with the situation.

He said: "Due to the hot weather and fall in water levels the oxygen levels became very low.

"We were told there were dead fish floating on the surface because of a lack of oxygen in the pond, which isn't that deep.

"It was awful and something we all tried to help out with straight away.

"About 12 fish died but they were very valuable as they are big fish. We lost about £1,000 worth.

"We hired a pump from Griffiths Tool Hire Shops, and some dedicated volunteers started pumping water with that immediately.

"Some firefighters came and helped us pump water on their training night, which we were very grateful for. They were very helpful.

"We do apologise for any inconvenience with noise, but the advice from experts is this is what we need to do. It was an emergency and needed to be done to save the rest of the fish."

Mr Hewson said the oxygen levels have recently returned to normal following a spell of wet weather.

But he said volunteers were still needed as the pond needs to be deeper to avoid the problem happening again.

He said: "We're looking to find people who can come to help us out. We need to suck some of the silt out, as this will make the pond a little deeper, and we're hoping people will come to help straight away.

"We're hoping Whitchurch Town Council can help us out with its gardening contracts.

"Also, if there are any farmers who can help suck out the silt, and want to put it on their fields, they are welcome."

Anyone who wants to help can contact Rob on 07779 491933.

Funding is continuing to be for the £100,000 redevelopment of the park.

Plans include creating a community orchard, launching a fishing club, and building a changing room for Whitchurch Alport Football Club which use the playing fields.

For more information search Queensway Playing Fields Whitchurch on Facebook.