Regular patrols of the pond by Petersfield Angling Club are being carried out to remove the last of the dead fish.

Boating on the pond will continue despite the outbreak after the town council was advised by the Environment Agency to let it carry on.

Petersfield Town Council clerk Neil Hitch said: “This advice has confirmed that boating may continue as the use of the oars will help to break up the algal blooms, but people must be careful not to come into contact with the water.

“Anyone coming into contact with the pond water should wash themselves as soon as possible to avoid potential skin irritation.

“Strictly no drinking or swallowing of pond water is allowed and swimming is also prohibited.” Mr Hitch said the town council was actively searching for a solution to resolve the algal problems in the pond so it would not happen again in future.

Members of the grounds committee will work with the angling club, Friends of Petersfield Heath and The Environment Agency on this project over the coming months.

They will be consulting a wide variety of people before any recommendation to the committee is received.

“Clearly it is important that the correct solution is found and such matters demand careful, reasoned consideration rather than hasty reaction,” Mr Hitch added.