CONTAMINATION warning signs have gone up around a pond favoured by walkers, dog owners and nature lovers close to the Thames near Stanford-le-Hope.

The signs have been posted, warning dog owners not to let their pets enter the pond, which is beside the seawall close to Mucking Creek, close to Rainbow Beach.

They were placed by the RSPB which regards the pond as a protected site for wading and other birds including wildfowl.

The RSPB declined to comment on the reason for its concern, referring questions to the Environment Agency, saying: "It is best to get a comment from the Environment Agency who will be able to give you the facts in this instance."

Today (Friday, 6 August), and after some delay, the Agency issued the following statement: "We received a report of discolouration in the pond to the east of Stanhope Industrial Park, Stanford-le-Hope.

"An Environment Agency officer attended the site to investigate this report on 18th July."

"During the visit we confirmed that dissolved oxygen levels in the pond were low, ammonia readings elevated, and the water was visually dark in colour (which is associated with low dissolved oxygen levels). No dead or distressed wildlife was identified.

"A watercourse which feeds the pond was dry and no sources of pollution were identified. We have assessed the cause as deoxygenation of the pond through natural decay of aquatic plant matter or algae during the current warm, dry, spell of weather.

"Based on priorities we plan to revisit the pond when an officer is working in the area to assess recovery. In 2023 we received a report of suspected pollution in the pond which was attended and confirmed to be algal activity. No pollution was identified.

"Members of the public can report pollution incidents to us on our hotline 0800 807060."

The agency discounted the possibly of pollution being man-made, despite reports recently of workers in hi-viz jackets pumping liquid into the area from the nearby Stanhope Industrial Estate.