A popular swimming spot outside Farnham has been closed after toxic algae was discovered.

Frensham Great Pond is closed for swimming for the foreseeable future until a layer of blue-green algae has cleared.

A spokesperson for Waverley Borough Council said: “Please be aware that suspected blue-green algae has been found at Frensham Great Pond, meaning visitors will not be able to swim in the pond at this time.”

The blue-green algae discovered is a type of cyanobacteria that can multiply rapidly to form visible blooms, leading to poor water quality and the production of harmful toxins.

These toxins can cause a range of health problems, including liver damage, neurological issues and skin irritation.

Algae blooms can occur throughout the year, but they are most common from May through to September when warmer weather conditions combine with a supply of nutrients in particular phosphorus.

During a bloom, the water becomes less clear and may look green, blue-green or greenish-brown. A layer of scum, can form along shorelines when the “bloom” rises to the surface.

The duration of blooms may last for a few days to several weeks until conditions in the water body change and the algae dies and decomposes.