Reports of a deadly algae in Redmires Reservoir have led to temporary barriers being placed surrounding large bodies of natural water in the area.

Yorkshire Water has taken action after blue-green algae was found, a poisonous bacteria that can be harmful to humans and animals when in continued contact.

When in extended contact with the blue-green algae, animals are at serious risk of death, whilst such symptoms as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and high temperatures are common in humans.

Jane Young, 29, a dogwalker who frequents the area, said: “Now that it’s heating up again, my two dogs love swimming when we go out on walks. These lakes being blocked off is a real loss for them.”

As a popular dog walking spot in the Peak District, Redmires Reservoir has frequent visitors from the Sheffield area, especially throughout the Spring and Summer months.

David Keller, 46, a hiker who often visits the area, said: “It’s a disgrace, not having clean water here.

“Kids play in that water every day in the summer, any of them could easily get sick from it.”

Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight.

When this occurs, blue-green algae can form blooms that discolour the water, or produce floating mats or scums on the water’s surface.

Daniel Brakeman, 44. another hiker familiar with the area, said: “The algae can be bad if you swallow it, but it usually goes away when the temperature drops.”

The increase growth of this blue-green algae is viewed as a direct biproduct of climate change and the unseasonably early increase in temperature.