Fears popular lake in Essex will be ‘neglected for another year’
Campaigners claim not enough is being done to save Canvey Lake, off Denham Road, Canvey Island.
Serious concerns have been raised about a popular lake being “neglected for another year” after toxic algae caused it to be shut to the public.
Campaigners are demanding action from Castle Point Borough Council, after it announced in the late summer it was considering taking over control of the lake. More incidents with toxic blue-green algae in the lake were seen in the summer, leading Canvey Town Council to warn residents and visitors to stay away.
Reece Langley, Canvey Island Reform councillor, said: “We are still waiting for Cabinet to make a decision on the future Canvey Lake. This isn’t a lake in the middle of nowhere, it’s a lake next to homes, it’s a footpath, a cycle track and with a school and hotel attached. There is wildlife living here and it needs attention. I would like to see more transparency on the matter and a push for its future, with Budgets upcoming, if it’s delayed any longer I could see the potential for it to be left off financial plans and neglected for another year.”
Vivienne Longshaw, 61, also hit out at the council. She added: “It’s absolutely disgusting behaviour, our elected councillors know too well how concerned, worried and angry everyone is about the lake. It feels like they are doing nothing and almost ignoring the issue, I can’t believe it. It is also a danger to residents and their pets as well as other wildlife too.”
Warren Gibson, deputy leader of Castle Point Council said: “We understand the environmental and community significance of Canvey Lake and are committed to its long-term care and sustainability.
“A formal decision regarding the acceptance of the surrender of the lease for Canvey Lake will be taken in due course. As part of this process, future arrangements for the Lake including its ongoing maintenance and associated budget will be carefully considered.
“The council is currently undertaking work to write a detailed project specification and will invite specialist companies to tender from mid-December. This specification will specifically require that the current quality of the water in Canvey Lake be brought up to an acceptable standard and that this standard is maintained going forward. The outcome of this tender process will be reported to cabinet in February 2026 and we will continue to provide updates through appropriate channels.”