DEAD animals are being removed from Canvey Lake on a daily basis as calls continue to grow for environmental experts to find a “long-term” solution to the problem.

Canvey Town Council provided the devastating update on wildlife living in or on the lake as it continues crunch talks with the Environment Agency and Government on how tackle the issue.

Anglers are banned from using the lake until the end of September amid reports hundreds of fish are dying.

The deaths of swans and ducks on Canvey has also been linked to the lake.

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Canvey Town Council insists it is taking the problem seriously but added it was proving an “arduous” task to resolve.

A lack of oxygen in the water is thought to be one factor behind dead wildlife.

A town council spokesman said: “It is distressing to see the effect this has had to the fish and wildfowl and whilst we do have contractors there daily to remove the deceased animals, we are battling with the constantly emerging numbers which are due to the dead animals inflating with gases and rising to the surface.

“The animals that are removed must be disposed of by an approved method for disposal of category 2 animal-by-product waste to ensure it complies with local Environmental Health department regulations.”

Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris says a long-term solution must be found to prevent a repeat of the deaths at the lake.

She added: “I have been speaking to all organisations involved and helped set up multi-agency meetings so we can make sure we are all working together for the improvement of the Lake.

“The deceased animals are being cleared on a daily basis and as quickly as possible.

“While I understand that the sight of dead wildlife is distressing, people should not take out their frustrations on the hard-working staff from the council or the Environment Agency.

“I will continue to liaise with the agencies and provide updates to residents.”

An online fundraiser aimed at raising cash to tackle problems at the lake has almost raised £8,000 since being set up five days ago.

Rob Turner, who is behind the GoFundMe page says he has been able to use the donated cash to secure aeration units to improve the lake.