AN environmentally-friendly solution has been found to the problems posed by unsightly algae in a popular park lake in Hartlepool.

Officials from Hartlepool Borough Council have submerged bunches of rotting willow in the lake at Ward Jackson Park in a bid to improve water quality.

This follows scientific research, which appears to indicate that a chemical reaction between the decaying timber and water can inhibit algae growth.

Parks development officer Richard Harland said: "Last year, we got a lot of algae growth and we had to resort to removing it manually.

"Although the willow won't stop algae completely, it should help us to control it.

"We want to avoid the use of chemicals because they can also kill off weeds that are vital to a healthy lake. If there were no weeds then the fish would die.

"Another important spin-off from this scheme is that the willow provides a habitat for insects in the water which can only be good for the whole ecological balance of the lake.