PARK users have been warned to stay away from a poisonous type of algae that has appeared on the borough's ponds and waterways.

Blue-green algal blooms have been spotted on a stream called Seven Kings Water, in Ilford, with spores thought to have spread from there to the River Roding.

Dog walkers have also be told to keep their animals away from the algae, which gets its name from the colour its turns affected water.

An officer from the Environment Agency visited Seven Kings Water today (Friday) to carry out tests on the algae, which was found to be receding - but fears have been raised that the plant will spread again during the predicted warm weather this weeked.

An EA spokeswoman said: "The Seven Kings water system was affected which will take in most of the main water bodies of Redbridge and into Barking & Dagenham too, all the way to the tidal Roding where the problem gets taken away on the tide.

Jenny Ellis, Environment Management Team Leader for the Environment Agency said: "We recommend that people and animals stay away from the water during the blooms as it can cause illness.

“Several water bodies in the area have been affected by the blue-green algae this year and we have set up a sampling programme to monitor the blooms weekly.

"We give advice to the local authorities and water body owners based on our findings.

“We work with the local authority to provide information on locations of the blooms and also to advise on how to limit the effects it has. For example - putting barley straw in the river, which releases proteins which are toxic to the blue-green algae.

“One of the most common effects of the algae, is that the water turns a blue/green colour, hence its name, and can form a scum which looks like “grass clippings” floating in the water. Other strains can look like bright blue or green paint on the water's surface.

Anyone who spots green-blue algae should call the Environment Agency hotline on: 0800 807 060.

For more information visit: environment-agency.gov.uk