ANGLERS and walkers have been warned to stay away from a river because of poisonous blue green algae.

The Environment Agency has also launched a probe after the algae was spotted in the Rive Ouse at Barcombe Mills, near Lewes, earlier this week.

Dead fish have been seen along the river banks and it is thought the algae may have come from the nearby Barcombe Reservoir, which is used by South East Water’s treatment works.

Ouse river warden Jim Smith said: “It is just not acceptable that this river keeps getting polluted.

“It just shouldn’t be happening.

“The treatment works release ammonias and phosphates, which produces a green tint and foam in the water.

“I have looked after this river for 50 years or so and it has been my bread and butter.

“It contains lots of sea trout and many other species of fish which are just as important.

“Pollution is a disaster in any form and there is no excuse for this.

“Heavy rain has started to wash it away.

“When the reservoir fills up it causes the water to go over the spill-way straight into the river.”

The river’s water bailiff, Perry Williams, echoed the concerns of Mr Smith, claiming that the blue and green algae had been flowing into the river for four or five days.

An angler, who regularly fishes in the river and wished to remain anonymous, told The Argus he would like to see whoever is responsible clean up the damage caused.

He said: “This is not naturally occurring.

“This is not the first time fish have died in the river because of bad pollution.

“It is about time action was taken to deal with it.

“The protected species, including spawning lampreys, are also nearby and are threatened.”

Emma Goddard, head of environment at South East Water, did not address claims the algae had come from the reservoir.

Instead she said “blue green algae can be naturally occurring” adding “ signage is always displayed to inform the public of the potential health risk of coming into contact with algae.”

She added: “We’re working closely with the Environment Agency to investigate the situation and to assist to ensure that the environment is protected.

“We can assure you that the quality of our drinking water is monitored at every stage of our treatment process, from raw water through to the water which comes out of taps.”

The Environment Agency is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Officers can be contacted on 0800 807060.