Fresh water is being added to the lake in Abbey Fields in order to keep the fish alive, Warwick District Council has announced.

The council told Nub News this morning that it was investigating what could be done to protect the fish, following multiple reports of fish dying due to the hot weather.

But following its assessment today (August 10) the council said it is unable to aerate the water using a water pump as the levels are now so low, and it said the fish would not survive being removed from the lake.

Instead mains water has had to be used to increase the levels in the lake.

The council was unable to use water from the nearby Finham Brook as the water levels were also too low there.

WDC said the Environment Agency had been informed, as had local angling club representatives and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire service said it was unable to assist the works as it is on high alert due to the hot weather.

A WDC spokesperson said to Nub News: "Because of the low levels of water Abbey Fields lake due to the extreme drought there have unfortunately been some fish casualties. 

"Following closer observations today it is not possible to aerate the water using the traditional methods of a water pump since water levels are now so low as 6"- 18" deep and thick in sediment.

"We have also been advised that relocating fish would not only be difficult to carry out due to the lakes current low level, the fish wouldn't survive being transported in extreme heat.

"Therefore the only remaining action is to add water from the mains which we have started today and hope to increase supply over the coming days. This action has been shared with the Environment Agency for approval though we accept is not ideal.

"Sadly it has not been possible to take out a significant amount of water from the neighbouring brook as this is at such low levels as well.

"We have contacted our local angling club representative who help manage the lake with us , and they agree fresh water input is the best option. The Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have also been notified, but are unable to commit due to being on high alert.

"The Environment Agency are currently working at 150 sites across England in an effort to relocate fish to safer waters."

The news comes just days after Green Party councillor Cllr John Dearing said a long term solution was needed to protect the fish in the town's main park.

Speaking at the latest Kenilworth Town Council meeting Cllr Dearing, who is also a professor of physical geography said: "In particular this week we have seen the results of the hot weather causing a lot of fish to die.

"This is something that is going to happen more and more as climate change brings more extreme heat waves."