Cheltenham park stream warnings issued after water test

Warning signs have been placed by a stream in Cheltenham after tests found blue-green algae present in the water.

The Environment Agency has not determined if the levels are toxic, but Cheltenham Borough Council has taken precautions by placing the signs in Benhall Park.

Claims were made earlier this week that a dog had died after swimming in the water and another was violently ill.

The signs ask people to keep themselves and their pets out of the brook.

"The [agency] will then test the water weekly, until we have two clear tests," said a council spokeswoman.

The authority has also asked for the water to be tested at the town's Pittville and Hatherley parks as a precaution.

According to the Environment Agency, blue-green algae is an "important contributor to the aquatic biology of fresh and marine waters".

However, if levels increase enough to produce "blooms" and "scum", the algae can give off toxins lethal to wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets.

If swallowed, the toxins can cause skin rashes and illnesses in humans.