HUNDREDS of dead fish are floating in the corner of a lake after it was forced to shut over safety fears.

The water quality at Piddinghoe Lake, near Newhaven, was described by Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club (NSSC) as being at an “all time low” on Wednesday.

It announced the lake’s closure on the same day after dead fish were seen gathering in the hundreds among the reeds.

In a statement on the Piddinghoe Parish Council website the NSSC said: “Unfortunately, following the extremely dry weather and sudden downpour, the health of Piddinghoe Lake is at an all-time low.

The Argus: Both large and small fish have been affectedBoth large and small fish have been affected

“Lots of the fish are dying. The Environment Agency is pumping air into the water and there is a strong smell of sewage leaking from adjoining properties.”

It hopes the lake will not be closed for “too long”.

The area is popular among dog walkers with one person, who chose to remain anonymous, saying they are angry to see what has happened.

“They’re still there,” they told The Argus on Friday afternoon.

“I’m utterly sad and worried that this will happen again, I know that they restock the lake regularly. It doesn’t seem like they look after it. I am angry.”

The Environment Agency said it has given fishery owners equipment to get oxygen back into the lake and will continue to work with them.

“Our officers responded swiftly to reports of fish in distress at the Piddinghoe Pond private fishery last weekend,” a spokesman said.

The Argus: The Environment Agency has stepped inThe Environment Agency has stepped in

“Inspections carried out by our fisheries specialists suggest although around 100 fish have died that there are no obvious signs of pollution, but investigations are ongoing.”

The parish council said on August 15 that blue-green algae had been found in Piddinghoe Lake.

Blue-green algae can be fatal for dogs and other animals, and humans should shower should they come into contact with it.

The NSSC, which is understood to own the lake, and an angling club which is understood to be responsible for the fish, were contacted for comment.

It comes as high-profile vet Marc Abraham said owners should stop their pets going in the sea due to recent sewage overflows.