4 days ago
Park visitors speak of shock and disgust as hundreds of fish die in lake
THE sight of dead fish floating above the surface of a lake in a Bradford park has been described as 'sad' and 'upsetting'.
As the heatwave brought sun to the district, Wibsey Park was full of locals looking to enjoy the warm weather and a family activity day.
But those who entered the park were shocked to see hundreds of lifeless white and orange fish in the water.
The exact cause of the fish deaths is yet to be revealed.
However, in incidents seen in other parts of the UK this summer, prolonged dry weather combined with reduced water flow and increased water temperatures has led to a significant drop in dissolved oxygen levels, which can result in fish mortality.
It came as a fun day - aimed at children aged five to 14 - was organised by Bradford Council throughout Wednesday.
A lifeless fish at Wibsey Park's lake (Image: Newsquest) Kelly Mitchell, who visits the park regularly with her children, said: 'It's a bit upsetting to see no one's really cleaned up either - you'd think with there being kids.
'It's just so nice to be able to come with the kids, walk around, sit, bring sandwiches, and relax. No one really wants to sit next to that lake.
'I was under the impression that when we came down today, especially with the Council doing activities that it would have been cleaned.'
Dead fish at Wibsey Park's lake (Image: Newsquest) The T&A approached Bradford Council for comment, but it did not provide one by the time of publication.
The Environment Agency urged people to reach out to their 24/7 hotline if they see fish in distress.
A spokesperson said: 'Wibsey Park in Bradford is not a designated fishery, but we are actively liaising with the local council, providing advice and guidance to support short-term measures, and offering recommendations to help prevent a recurrence in the future.
'If members of the public see fish in distress, we ask that they report this directly to us on our 24/7 hotline, 0800 80 70 60.'
Gemma Louise Jackson, owner of Lily's Cafe, said: 'It's sad to see, this isn't very pleasant. It's just such a shame. We have such a beautiful park, a beautiful community, then you've got these beautiful fish.
'The heat and everything, it's not helped it, but a lot of people have suggested a fountain would oxygenate the water.
Dead fish at Wibsey Park's lake (Image: Newsquest)
'We definitely need some form of fountain to oxygenate it and we need signs to make people aware that what you're doing, it's great fun - and we've all done it - take our kids to feed the ducks and took a loaf of bread. There should be little signs saying what they can eat and 'please don't do this'.
'Maybe plants like lily pads and things that will oxygenate the water.'
Wibsey resident Carmel Greene said: 'I just think it's cruel. We're lucky to have such a nice park.
'I didn't even know to be honest that we had that many fish.
'I come here on days with my granddaughter for a walk but it looks so evil. Why are they dead?
'It just spoils it, there's so many people in here today, especially school holidays. It's just frustrating when kids come and see stuff like that. What do you say? I just think it's horrible.
'We were just walking past someone and the little boy said 'Oh, can't we try take that fish home and bring him back to life?'. Kids see things in black and white.'
Brody Olds said: 'It doesn't seem like healthy water. You can see how murky the water is."
Emmanuel Gentil said: 'It seems like it smells a bit as well.'
Janine Denby first heard about the dead fish a couple of days ago.
She said: 'I was really sad but also quite disgusted. The fact it happened in the first place but also that they hadn't been cleared away because there's a lot of kids that come down here and the little kiddies to actually see them and the smell.'
Merrix McConnell walks through the park most days.
'Look at the state of it,' he said.
'This here should be beautiful, shouldn't it?
'It's just full of rubbish.
'I see people fishing here. If they're dead, they're not going to come fishing anymore.
'I feel sorry for the ducks and all that lot. They deserve better.'
