A PADDLING pool and park fountains have both been closed after high levels of bacteria were detected.

Brighton and Hove City Council has closed the fountains in The Level and the paddling pool in Saunders Park after testing showed high levels of bacteria in the water which chlorine had not been able to reduce.

The bacteria could have been spread from bird droppings or dogs, a council officer said.

The two incidents of high bacteria are not thought to be linked and the council's other paddling pools by the West Pier and at Hove Lagoon remain open.

A council spokesman said: "Testing has shown high levels of bacteria which the chlorine in the water hasn’t overcome.

"It’s the kind of bacteria that could come from bird droppings or dogs. "It happens from time to time and we don’t think the two incidents are linked, it’s more likely to be a co-incidence.

"All outdoor water features are subject to this occasionally, it’s an innate issue with outdoor water facilities.

"Paddling pools are tested monthly and we’re not planning to increase that. "However affected pools and features are thoroughly cleaned, the water changed and then re-tested."