Horsham District Council said it had made the decision to temporarily shut the area at Southwater Country Park, Horsham, to gather more information following multiple reports of people becoming unwell after entering the water over the weekend.
Councillor Alex Jeffery, who sits on Horsham District Council, said the exact cause is not yet known.
He had urged the council to temporarily close the beach and investigate.
As of Monday morning, the beach paddling area was open but later in the day Horsham District Council made the decision to close it.
“Protecting public health must remain the council’s absolute priority,” said Cllr Jeffery.
“I understand this will be concerning for many residents and families, and I will continue to press for answers and provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.”
Nicole Padaychy had gone to the park on Monday first thing with her friend and their five-year-old children, who were off on an inset day, for a swim.
Southwater Country Park (Image: EDDIE MITCHELL)
They set up their chairs and the children began swimming but they were soon warned by a passerby about the water concerns.
The mothers quickly got the children out of the water and left the park.
“We’re worried,” said Ms Padaychy.
“We want to know what’s happened.
“The children were in there swimming.
“We’re getting them home to be showered.”
Ms Padaychy, 34, said she was shocked there were no signs up near the water warning people and that the area was still open.
She said outwardly the water looked “fine”.
At around 4pm on Monday (June 29) Horsham District Council announced the temporary closure of the area.
“We have been made aware of a small number of people becoming unwell, potentially as a result of entering the water from the paddling beach,” said a council spokesman.
“As a precautionary measure while we gather further information, we have decided to temporarily close this area.
“Please DO NOT climb the fence or attempt to enter the water at this time.”
The council was approached for further comment.
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
