CONCERNS have been raised that swans at Rhyl’s Marine Lake are “paddling in mud”.
Maintenance work at the site started on Friday (February 27), and is scheduled to last two weeks.
To perform the work, the lake is being partially drained while annual revetment inspections and general site maintenance take place.
Denbighshire County Council said steps have been taken to ensure there is sufficient water retained for the swans to safely remain on the lake.
But a resident contacted the Journal on Friday to express concerns.
They said: “The swans are literally paddling in mud at Marine Lake. Let’s hope that mud doesn't have bacterial viruses in it.
“One swan very kindly showed me all the mud on him.
“The council will have a lot to answer for if it all goes horribly wrong. I for one will be reporting them to the royal Swan Marker, the RSPCA and the RSPB.”
These works were planned to take place both outside the wildlife nesting season, and the users' summer season.
The lake will be topped up once the works are complete.
Denbighshire County Council previously said Rhyl Harbour Office, which manages Marine Lake, has been working with the local authority to ensure minimal disruption to the swans and other wildlife at the site.
In response to the resident’s comments, a spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “Marine Lake in Rhyl is drained partially each year to facilitate important maintenance work.
“This work allows access to the revetments and for the clearance of any large items found around the edge of the lake or in the lake itself.
“The water level is only lowered, and is not a complete drain. This leaves enough water in the lake for swans and other wildlife to be safe whilst the work takes place.
“The lake is topped up once the essential maintenance is complete.
“We would like to assure residents that the biodiversity of the lake is important to the future of the site and that any works and decisions made take full account of the lake as a whole.”
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