Tinside opening delayed over algal bloom concerns
TINSIDE Pool will not open to the public today as planned due to a poisonous algae.
The seafront lido will remain closed over the jubilee weekend because of a bloom of algae in the Sound.
Late last night Plymouth City Council made the decision not to open the pool, which is filled with water from the Sound, because it could not take the risk with people's health.
Plymouth City Council, the Environment Agency and the Health Protection Agency have issued advice after results confirmed the bloom, which has also appeared on the Hoe foreshore, contains 12 different species of algae.
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Deputy council leader Peter Smith said he had been given conflicting advice all day yesterday.
The Environment Agency finally warned him that the pool should either be closed or bathers advised to swim at their own risk.
"I took the decision to keep it closed," Mr Smith said.
"It is a blow but I am not prepared to take the risk of making people ill."
The algal bloom can cause nausea, dizziness or loss of memory.
Mr Smith said it was unlikely that the lido would open over the jubilee weekend.
Algal blooms are natural phenomena, but can sometimes be harmful to the environment as they can deplete oxygen levels in the sea, making it difficult for fish and other animals to breathe. It can also produce a toxin which can kill marine life.
There is also a possibility that scum or foam, which can come ashore on beaches, can cause irritation to some people with very sensitive skin.
A Plymouth City Council spokesman said: "We appreciate this is not an ideal situation over a Bank Holiday, but decided it would be better if people are aware that there is a potential problem."
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