THE Great Pond and the Little Pond at Frensham are now closed to the public after the appearance of potentially harmful blue-green algae.

Waverley Borough Council has been forced to take action because the algae can contain toxins which cause dermatitis, eye irritation, rashes, blistering, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and nausea through skin or eye contact or if swallowed.

The Frensham ponds are used extensively in the summer months and it is during July and August when the algae increases dramatically, producing a thick blue-green coloured scum on the surface of the pond.

Blue algae or "pond scum" is really a bacteria which radiates a strong musty odour.

As well as its the harmful effects on humans, the algae uses up a lot of oxygen in the pond, and fish may die as a result.

There is no way of removing the algae from the water once it is established, but spokesperson for Waverley, Sallyann Osbourn said that it should disappear completely in winter.

Mrs Osbourn could not say when the ponds would reopen because it was impossible to judge when the blue algae would be dispersed.

John Sandy, portfolio holder for the environment said: "It is the local authority's responsibility to advise people of the dangers of blue-green algae and I would urge people to stay away from any affected areas. Waverley's countryside rangers are monitoring the situation closely and will keep the public informed."

Anyone affected by the algae should seek medical advice or in the case of pets, veterinary advice.