Concerns over the state of a lake in Portishead has seen an online petition launched.

A build-up of mud at the Lake Grounds has been noticeable for some time and environment campaigners and now a Portishead town councillor is urging North Somerset Council to act.

The condition of the lake has been a source of concern for some time.

In recent years straw has had to be used to reduce blue-green algae in the water.

So bad have conditions been before that previously pet owners have been told to keep dogs out of the water.

But the concern at the moment is over a build up of mud and the need – in some people’s eyes – for the lake to be dredged.

Portishead resident Charles Murphy called on North Somerset to act last year and the Liberal Democrat group on the town council is now also seeking a resolution.

Cllr Sue Mason, who is a Portishead town councillor, says she has made numerous requests to North Somerset Council for the lake be cleaned.

The petition says the lake’s current condition is ‘unacceptable’ and potentially harmful for wildlife.

Water levels at the Lake Grounds ran low this summer due to the prolonged spell of hot weather. Ducks and swans were left paddling in sludge after both the smaller and shallower parts of the lake ran completely dry.

The water levels have now improved following the recent heavy rain but North Somerset Council is still being urged to take action to dredge the lake.

The petition, which is available on the North Somerset Liberal Democrats’ website, has 70 signatures so far.

But North Somerset Council, which owns and manages the beauty spot, says it has no plans to dredge the lake as it would cost £150,000.

The petition says: “We see it as unacceptable that there is more mud than water in the lake and demand that it is dredged, for the benefit of the people and the wildlife of Portishead.”

Portishead’s Lake Grounds has been described as the town’s ‘jewel in the crown’ by senior North Somerset Council members when asked about allowing a skatepark there.