Mystery as multiple people ‘fall ill’ at Southwater Country Park as lake closed

Mystery as multiple people ‘fall ill’ at Southwater Country Park as lake closed The issue at Southwater Country Park in Horsham was raised 'as a matter of urgency' following a number of reports of people becoming unwell - but the cause is still unknown A paddling beach in Sussex has been closed after a number of people fell ill after entering the water. The incidents took place at the paddling beach at Southwater Country Park in Horsham over the weekend, with the closure being enforced from today. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure while the reason behind people feeling ill is investigated. Horsham District Council said this afternoon: "We have been made aware of a small number of people becoming unwell, potentially as a result of entering the water from the paddling beach. "As a precautionary measure while we gather further information, we have decided to temporarily close this area. "Please do not climb the fence or attempt to enter the water at this time." West Sussex county councillor Alex Jeffery explained that he raised the matter urgently after he became aware of multiple reports of people becoming unwell after entering the water at the beauty spot. He added that he requested the issue to be investigated "as a priority". Cllr Jeffery said: "While the exact cause is not yet known, I have asked council officers to urgently consider temporarily closing the paddling beach area until we can be confident that the water is safe. "Protecting public health must remain the council's absolute priority. I understand this will be concerning for many residents and families and I will continue to press for answers and provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available." A spokesperson for the Environment Agency told the BBC that the lake at Southwater Country Park is "not a bathing water". For this reason, the water is not tested regularly for bacteria. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also been in contact with the district council to help ascertain the cause of the infection.