Basingstoke Canal closed

THE Environment Agency has closed the Basingstoke Canal after the discovery of the toxic blue-green algae on the Hampshire section of the waterway.

The algae is rife between Dogmersfield and Broad Oak, and also at Odiham.

Not narrowboats

The agency has closed the canal from Ash Lock to Greywell, but only to all unpowered boats, such as canoes and rowing boats, with narrowboats as yet not being affected.

People are advised not to make any contact with the water as the algae can cause skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, fever and muscle pain.