The weekend’s dramatic weather has had a deadly effect on fish in the Barley Pit near Lea.

The Environment Agency is looking at ways to protect the species after dozens of fish were found dead at the weekend.

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Temperatures on Thursday soared to 32 degrees in Preston, but by Saturday had plummeted to 16 degrees with torrential downfalls.

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said: “Our Fisheries Officers have been made aware of the dead fish at Barley Pit in Preston and are investigating ways in which we can ensure this does not become a more regular problem.

“The sudden drastic change in weather from Friday into Saturday morning caused oxygen depletion with algal dieback in the pond causing oxygen levels to plummet to 24% – a natural occurrence, which resulted in the death of fish.

“We know there have been dead fish at this location on previous occasions and are looking to work alongside partners to come up with methods of improving the quality of the water and are hoping to progress this in the coming weeks.” 

Read more: A 45 hour thunderstorm warning has been issued for Preston