A life-threatening waterborne disease transmitted by rat urine is a high risk for staff and visitors at two lakes in West Sussex.

A report by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) found Hotham Park Boating Pond in Bognor was at high risk of containing the lethal bacteria which causes Weil's Disease.

The report found rubbish around the lake dropped by visitors was attracting rats which could pass on the disease through their urine.

In its severest form the disease, if left untreated, can lead to damage of body organs, jaundice and even death. The onset of symptoms is rapid and resembles a cold or flu in its early stages.

The report, which was commissioned following the drowning of two-year-old Alexander Harvey-Clark in June, also found Mewsbrook Park Boating Lake in Littlehampton, where the toddler died, was at risk of spreading the disease.

Staff at the lakes are particularly at risk of Weil's Disease and have been told to wear protective clothing. The disease can be contracted through cuts and grazes which come in contact with infected water.

Colin Rogers, head of leisure services at Arun District Council, said: "The report found there was a high risk of Weil's Disease at Hotham Park and mentioned a risk at Mewsbrook Park. It was because of rubbish on the site at Hotham Park which was attracting rats.

"There was a lot of rubbish around the park in August when the RoSPA inspector did a visit. It has been cleared since then. Anyone who comes into contact with the disease should take precautions. We will be implementing priority recommendations after costing."

Hotham Park has been drained following the findings. Mr Rogers suspects the pond will not reopen next summer if the a bid for National Lottery funding is accepted and improvements have begun.

At Mewsbrook Park the report recommended water testing, washing facilities, protective clothing for staff and first aid on site.

David Hagen, consultant in public health at West Sussex Health Authority, said: "The risk of Weil's disease is an important problem which must be taken seriously.

"It is usually picked up through cuts in the skin so is a problem for sewage workers or people doing watersports. But there are only about 50 cases a year in this country.

"In the eleven years I have worked as a consultant I have only heard of one case in the county and that was an agricultural worker working near a well.

"I am sure Arun District Council are dealing with the problem but the best way would be to clear the rubbish and deter rats. I support their efforts."