Green Party councillors have called on the district council to immediately prepare a long-term plan to sustain biodiversity in Abbey Fields lake.

The group's comments come after a group of volunteers took it upon themselves to protect the fish in the lake after Warwick District Council announced there was nothing more it could do in Abbey Fields after Severn Trent had stopped water being pumped into the lake.

With some 650 fish removed and taken to Lavender Hall Fishery in Balsall Common, Green councillors have said now is the time to put a permanent plan in place.

Cllr James Kennedy said: "The voluntary work done by local people to help the dying fish deserves a huge thank you.  

"Long-term changes are needed to improve the quality of the water and to sustain biodiversity in the lake.

"We are calling on the district council to immediately prepare a long-term sustainable management plan which includes the views of residents so that it can continue to provide pleasure to residents and a haven for wildlife for decades to come."

Green party councillors said they had been calling for action for some time, with town and district councillor Cllr John Dearing raising the need for a detailed plan for biodiversity and water quality in the lake and stream during a discussion on the new Abbey Fields management plan in February.

Green party councillors also said they took an active role this summer as fish began to die in the lake, with Cllr Kennedy calling for action from Warwick District Council on July 23.

This was followed by Cllr Dearing again raising the issue at a full Kenilworth Town Council meeting at the end of July.

Concerned by the worsening situation, Cllr Dearing said he contacted the Environment Agency on 10 August.  

And while the group thanked the efforts of volunteers, it said: "With climate breakdown and increasingly frequent and severe droughts, it is imperative that a thorough plan is produced." 

Campaigner Joe Joyce added: "We need a well thought out plan from people who know what they're doing, and with regard to the wider views of the people of Kenilworth."

Earlier this month WDC announced that it would do what it could to ensure the events were not repeated.

Deputy leader of the council Cllr Richard Hales - who was heavily involved in the volunteer effort - said it was "incredible" to see the "community spirit of Kenilworth in action".

"Over the next few months, we will work with all our relevant partners and interest groups to see how we can ensure that this sort of incident does not happen again," he said.

Cllr Hales added: "I am grateful to everyone who has helped with this difficult and distressing situation.

"The council would like to thank all partners and members of the public who have assisted at the lake."