Mystery smell put down to vandals

Southern Water said sewage had not been leaking into the lake

The cause of a mystery stench which had been leaving locals in a Hampshire town "gagging and with sore eyes" has been put down to a vandalised sluice gate.

The smell had been plaguing the Workhouse Lake area of Gosport for the past few weeks.

But officials believe a lack of fresh water to the lake due to the damaged gates allowed algae to quickly form.

It is thought the gates were damaged inadvertently and also vandalised. Repairs have now been completed.

'Jammed shut'

David Jago, from Gosport council, said: "In these situations our first step is always to open the sluice gates and flush fresh water through, which usually resolves the problem.

"Unfortunately someone had already attempted to open the sluice gate and in doing so had damaged the equipment, resulting in it being jammed shut.

"This meant the gate could only be released safely at low tide.

"Without the constant covering of water, the mud and seaweed are obviously exposed to the sun and air which enables micro organisms to multiply and the area to produce another smell.

"Sadly vandalism, and even people with good intentions who open the gates themselves to allow the crabs and fish to have fresh water, can cause serious problems."

Mr Jago said extra works are being done to prevent any future unauthorised operation of the sluice.