A POPULAR lake is out of action because it has been invaded by weeds.

Children’s activities on the lake in Queen’s Park, Blackburn, have had to be cancelled and organisers of a recent fun day had to scratch plans for a canoeing display by boy scouts.

It was feared the Canadian Pond Weed, which has grown up from the base of the lake to just below the water’s surface, would trap anybody who fell in, and impede oars and paddles.

Council bosses said the weed could not be treated with chemicals because of the risk to other pond life, and they cannot remove it manually because of the potential damage to the lake’s lining.

But critics have labelled the state of the lake a “disgrace” and called for urgent action.

More than 100 youngsters from Blackburn’s east rural area set to take part in activities including kayaking in the lake during the summer holidays were left disappointed after voluntary organisation Summer Fun 4 All cancelled its water-based programme.

Parents are being offered a refund.

And a well-attended fun day earlier this month, organised by the Friends of Queen’s Park, was also affected.

Val Yates, of the group, said: “We were going to have activities on the lake but it looked bad in the run up to the event.

“Nobody’s actually come out and said it is dangerous, but I can understand people being worried about it.

“On a normal summer there would be people on there every week.”

Queen’s Park Labour council-lor Salim Mulla said: “I have seen the lake recently and it is a mess. It’s such a lovely park, but the state of the lake is a real disgrace.”

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, confirmed that Canadian Pond Weed, a common, non-harmful weed that is fairly common in UK waters, was the problem.

He said: “We are currently in active discussions to find the best solution.”