More fish will be removed from Abbey Fields lake in the coming weeks, and plans to raise the water levels in the lake are being explored. 

A number of measures to ensure last summer's events are not repeated were relayed to town councillors last week, following a public question calling for answers.

Former councillor Rob Barry asked Kenilworth Town Council (KTC) what steps are being taken to protect the fish in the lake, particularly given the recent spells of hot dry weather.

Mr Barry said it was a "matter of great urgency" for Warwick District Council (WDC) to solve - particularly after the local authority promised last summer it would not allow a repeat of the events in Abbey Fields.

Speaking at last week's full KTC meeting, Mr Barry said: "Last August saw members of the public taking action to save the fish from suffocating to death in the Abbey Fields lake during the long hot summer." 

He added: "We are now at the start of summer after a prolonged dry spell in spring, with water levels already low in Finham Brook, meaning no water is flowing into the lake. 

"As a result I am very concerned that the distressing events of last year are going to be repeated one year on. 

"Can I ask what measures KTC are aware of to avoid this happening in 2023?"

Abbey Fields lake is also clearing, with lower fish numbers meaning the sediment can settle (image by Richard Smith)

In response, leader of the council, Cllr James Kennedy read a letter from David Anderson, green spaces manager at WDC, which provided an update on the lake.

The letter said the district council is bound by what the Environment Agency (EA) permits, but said the council has continued to make progress on short and long term plans.

"We have been in regular contact with the environment agency, and its various departments," the letter said. 

"This has included two site visits to the Abbey Fields lake. 

"The last and most important site visit was held on 9 June, with six environment agency officers."

More fish were removed from Abbey Fields lake this March (image by Lulu Di Minto)

Following the visit, plans to dam Finham Brook to feed the lake had been blocked by EA, as had a proposal to extract water from the brook.

Instead, a third option is currently being explored.

"The proposal to raise the water level by installing a stop board to existing outtakes to raise the water level by 50mm is being looked at by the EA and seems to find favour," the letter added. 

"The council will need to apply for this by filling in the relevant forms and for this to be approved by various departments at the EA. 

"This is not a given but it is a positive sign."

KTC members were also told that a second removal of fish would be made in the coming weeks - the district council having already removed some in March this year.

Councillors were also told that fish removals will take place more frequently over the coming years.