The operators of a popular aqua park centre at a Wirral seaside resort say they have made the "difficult decision" to close their business for the year.

Wild Shore, which runs an aqua park and watersports centre at New Brighton marine lake had previously said they would halt activities for at least a week after toxic blue-green algae was detected following reports from swimmers of their costumes turning green and some bathers becoming ill.

Posting on social media today, the operators say they have taken the "incredibly difficult decision" not to reopen the aqua park for the rest of the year due to continued algal blooms in the water at the marine lake.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for Wild Shore said: "Firstly, thank you all for your support in difficult circumstances.

"Algal blooms are a natural phenomenon, occurring in large bodies of water when the weather conditions are very warm, as we have seen over the last few weeks.

"Combine this with the low tides and the water has been very stagnant which is ideal conditions for the blue green algae which we have found in the lake.

"We have carried out, and continue to do so, various tests on the blue green algae to determine the type of blue green algae which will help us to prevent it in the future.

"With four weeks left of our operational season, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close our business for the year. We cannot run activities past the 14th October as a result of a planning condition.

"We will continue to monitor the lake and carry out regular tests.

"We will update our socials when the water is safe again.

"We are going to do some works on the lake over the winter period to minimise the likelihood of this happening again.

"All bookings for the next four weeks have been contacted so please check your emails if this applies to you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on newbrighton@wildshore.co.uk or 0151 660 6000.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful customers who have helped make our first season in New Brighton so enjoyable. We look forward to reopening in Spring 2022.

"Thank you in advance for your support on what has been an incredibly difficult decision."

The post prompted dozens of comments of support from customers of the aqua park, with one person saying: "Aww we’ve loved using the facilities this summer and will make sure we are back in 2022. Thanks for bringing such a great asset to New Brighton."

Another added: "Such a shame" while one person said: "A fabulous asset for New Brighton, my children have enjoyed using the facility. Best wishes for a better season in 2022"

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