Anger as drinkers dump their bottles in Canoe Lake

LITTERBUGS who dumped bottles in Canoe Lake in Southsea have been condemned.
Litter in Canoe Lake Picture: Wayne RoycroftLitter in Canoe Lake Picture: Wayne Roycroft
Litter in Canoe Lake Picture: Wayne Roycroft

Council workers have been busy cleaning the lake of the alcohol bottles, rubbish and algae after complaints from visitors.

Eastney and Craneswater councillor Luke Stubbs said: ‘It’s dispiriting that some people care so little about their city that they feel free to dump stuff wherever they like.

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‘There aren’t usually large problems at Canoe Lake, but when there are then the council will resolve them as quickly as it can.’

He added that, ideally, the council would be able to fine those involved.

Wayne Roycroft took his wife Khanittha and two-year-old daughter Alyssa to the lake on Saturday, but was horrified to see the litter floating in the water.

The Gosport resident said there were ‘at least 20’ bottles visible near to where children and their families were feeding the swans and ducks.

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He said: ‘It was not very clean – there was lots of rubbish in the lake.

‘We had looked online and chose the lake as it looked like a nice place for tourists.

‘It doesn’t give a very good impression of the area. There were lots of people around.’

Although Mr Roycroft said he did not know where the rubbish had come from, he suggested it could have been left by people drinking on Friday night.

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Portsmouth City Council confirmed a complaint had been made about the rubbish in the lake and it had now been cleaned.

Mr Roycroft added: ‘It’s good that they have cleared it up. It should be done quickly.’

Councillor Linda Symes, the city council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: ‘We work hard to keep all areas of the seafront clean and tidy, but unfortunately some 
irresponsible people still litter and algae is a natural occurrence we have to manage.

‘I’m very pleased that on this occasion we were able to respond quickly and ensure as many people as possible could enjoy the area over the weekend.

‘Littering is an ongoing problem which takes up a considerable amount of time and public money. If people 
would act more responsibly it would enable everyone to enjoy our open spaces.’

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