THE algae bloom was cleared from boating lake in Newquay but much of it returned within 24 hours.

Newquay Boat Hire, whose responsibility is to control the annual weed issue at the lake at Trenance, worked for several hours dragging and raking the weed over the weir with the help of volunteers on Sunday, July 27.

But by the next morning the algae bloom was covering two thirds of the lake again.

Newquay Boast Hire, which has been closed for weeks due to the weed issue, has enough lake to operate its pedeloes and there are plans to clear the algae bloom again but if it keeps coming back the attraction will close for the season.

Bruce Carpenter, who owns Newquay Boat Hire, said: “Our staff and volunteers did a sterling job clearing the algae. It was looking brilliant but about 80 per cent came back within 24 hours covering two thirds of the lake.

“It is one of these weeds that just does not want to give up.

“We will try and keep open. If we are able to keep a third of the lake weed free, then we can open and use the pedeloes but can’t use the motorboats again as the algae clogs up the motors.

“We have already lost one of our motorboats, which cost £100 to repair.

“We would like to thank Lakeside Café who came across and provided us with lovely hot coffees, teas and delicious cakes, which were gratefully received and appreciated.

“Our volunteers were also greatly appreciated. We could not have done what we did without them.

“We will keep clearing the algae as much as we can but if it becomes an impossibility will have to close.”

An eco-friendly treatment, which is a derivative of barley straw, was previously added to the boating lake to clear the algae bloom but “it did not work.”

Bruce said: “The treatment was not effective. That was £400 wasted to be fair.

“We have had a sample taken from the boating lake to see clearly what is happening.

“The results have come back showing that the main culprit is the nutrients from places like farms getting into the river, steams and tributaries, which starts at Bodmin.

“We have also spoken to Cormac, which takes instruction from Cornwall Council, as I want to open the sluice gate but that will not be allowed. The sluice gate can be opened but they will not be able to close it due to poor maintenance.

“We will fight to the bitter end to stay open for the rest of the season but if we get a really hot week then that could be game over. We will have to throw in the towel. We really do need a solution to this annual weed problem.”

Trenance Cornwall councillor Drew Creek believes the weed and algae bloom problem at the boating lake could be solved through rewilding, which would involve planting specific water plants that would oxygenate the water and absorb the nutrients.