The arrival of a weed in Stanborough lakes has been causing concerns for Welwyn Garden City residents.

An increase in the amount of the weed had seen Stanborough Park's North lake appear green in recent times, leading some to take to social media to raise their concerns. 

However, according to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, the weed is an annual occurance which "happens in all open water".

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A spokesperson for the council told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: "The weed grows every year when the weather starts to warm up. As part of its natural cycle, it forms then dies off.

"Contrary to how it looks, the weed forms due to the high level of nutrients in the water.

"It is not toxic to humans or animals, and the wildfowl does feed off of the weed.

"GLL, which manages the park on the council’s behalf, works in partnership with the Environment Agency which monitors the lakes (and will visit if concerns are raised), but they will be aware of this natural cycle.

                                                                                            

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"They also work in partnership with the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, who monitor the wildlife at site.

"It has been advised that we do not touch or remove the weed as it can create an imbalance in the ecology of the lake."