WORK on giving a much-loved pleasure park lake an environmental makeover is now well under way.

Hundreds of fish at Brooklands in Worthing have already been temporarily moved upstream to protect them while excavation takes place.

Worthing Borough Council has commissioned Five Rivers Environmental Contracting to create a new thriving natural habitat for a diverse range of wildlife at the lake.

The project is expected to take 12 weeks but this will depend on the weather.

Staff from the firm began work on site in Brighton Road earlier this month, with the water in the eight-acre lake already draining away.

Dredging work is due to start within the next couple of weeks.

Teams from the contractor said a variety of species were found to be living in the lake and have been rescued and preserved.

Residents in the area had raised environmental concerns about the work.

Five Rivers project manager for the site, Jacob Dew, said: “It’s been a busy first few days on site.

“We found a range of fish including roach, carp and eels and have looked after them, moving them into the top end of the Teville Stream.

“Because the silt is so deep we have put up temporary fencing to protect people and their animals.

“We’re really excited about this project and looking forward to moving this forward.

“We’re really keen to get locals involved as much as possible.

“Watch this space and we will keep you all updated.”

The council acted last year after concerns about the environmental impact of the build-up of silt in the lake.

The lake is being drained to dry out the 15,000 cubic metres of silt at the bottom – the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The dried-out dirt will then be used to create new barriers and an extra island to provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife.

To avoid similar problems in the future, Five Rivers will be narrowing the Teville stream in Valley Gardens and in front of the Brooklands cafe to increase water flow.

Silt traps will also be installed to help stop debris finding its way to the bottom of the lake.

Diane Guest, council executive member for the environment, said: “I’m really excited by these plans from Five Rivers.

“I am confident the company will restore the lake to its full glory and help improve the park for generations to come.

“I will be watching the work being done with a great deal of excitement.”