THE CAUSE of a sewage leak which threatened fish in two Bolton lodges is still a mystery.

Bolton Anglers' Association alerted the National Rivers Authority after fish were found gasping for breath at Firwood Lodges near Firwood Fold.

Aerating machinery was brought in to increase the oxygen which had dropped to dangerously low levels.

Ernest Swindles, secretary of Bolton Anglers' Association, said: "We lost about two dozen fish. Obviously we didn't want to lose any but we are thankful because the figures could have been much worse."

The sewage spill is believed to have come from a storm overflow which became blocked. Anglers who suspect that fish are struggling in local waters should ring Mr Swindles on Bolton 706658 for advice.

Mr Swindles said: "I believe the NRA is still investigating as they have not identified which manhole the spill came from as the blockage cleared itself."

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