UK beach at popular lake closed as
A paddling beach at a West Sussex lake has been closed following reports online that multiple people have fallen ill after entering its waters. According to reports, a "number of individuals have experienced illness, potentially as a result of entering the water at the paddling beach at Southwater Country Park".
Horsham District Council told the BBC it was aware of the online reports, but had not received any official notifications from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) or groups that use the lake regularly. The UKHSA says it has been "in touch with Horsham District Council to see if they can help establish what the source of the infection is".
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The local authority subsequently said it would close the beach while it monitored the situation.
Horsham District Council said this afternoon: "We have been made aware of a small number of people becoming unwell, potentially as a result of entering the water from the paddling beach.
"As a precautionary measure while we gather further information, we have decided to temporarily close this area.
"Please do not climb the fence or attempt to enter the water at this time."
District councillor Alexander Jeffery added that the exact cause of the illnesses is not yet known, and urged anyone experiencing symptoms after entering the water to contact him directly.
He wrote on Facebook: "I understand this will be concerning for many residents and families. I will continue to press for answers".
He added that protecting public health "must remain the council's absolute priority".
The lake at Southwater Country Park is "not a bathing water so is not regularly tested for bacteria", the Environment Agency said, adding, "There are more than 450 sites across the country where regular testing is carried out".