A senior Dundee councillor has demanded action over city ponds infested with a potentially harmful bacteria.
Warning signs were put up at the Stobsmuir Ponds and Clatto Country Park last month advising visitors to stay out of the water due to the presence of blue-green algae.
Councillor George Regan, Labour’s spokesman on environmental services, says it is time the problem was resolved.
He said he is particularly concerned at the state of the Stobsmuir Ponds, which are also thick with weeds.
“I am concerned because this is a popular spot in Dundee and has been for many years and for it to be in this state is really not acceptable,” he said.
Blue-green algae occurs naturally but blooms can develop when their numbers become excessive.
Illnesses including skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain have occurred in people who have swallowed or swum through algal scum.
These have not led to long-term effects or death but, in some cases, the illnesses were severe.
“The schools are off at the minute and I am concerned for the safety of the children,” said Mr Regan.
“Even if it is only a skin rash they deserve to be protected from that. The council needs to act on this now.”
The Dundee Model Boat Club annual regatta had to be cancelled last month due to the condition of the water in Stobsmuir Ponds, which are known locally as the Swannie Ponds.
“It is a no win situation, but I don’t know if we can blame the council,” said club president Forbes Milne.
“From what I am told there is not much treatment for this type of algae and what there is can be very expensive. But there is an issue with the weeds in the back pond.”
A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said action was being taken.
“The leisure and communities department have consulted the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water and the pond will be dealt with in due course.”