HUNDREDS of dead fish have been found in the water at the old Widnes Dock, at Spike Island.
A combination of climatic conditions and algae bloom have led to a lack of oxygen in the water and fish were unable to breathe. The situation could have been worsened by overstocking by anglers, according to council bosses.
The problem also happened further upriver at Fiddlers Ferry power station where even more fish were affected.
On Friday, Halton Borough Council had planned to re-oxygenate the water, but were advised by the Environmental Agency that is was too late, as the majority of fish were either already dead or dying.
Instead they spent the weekend clearing the area to avoid environmental problems caused by the smell.
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