OFFICERS from the Environment Agency have visited the Basins in Wellington after being told about 40-100 dead fish and fish in distress.

The officers visited the small pond last Wednesday and used aeration equipment to restore oxygen levels. They visited again the following day and found levels had returned to normal. Low oxygen levels can be created during periods of prolonged hot weather.

Officers found no signs of disease or pollution and the species affected included roach, perch and bream.

Town councillor Bob Bowrah worked with the EA officers to save as many fish as possible.

Jamie and Simon Hollis, were very helpful in collecting the dead fish and Taunton Deane DLO, which empties rubbish bins at the Basins, took bags of dead fish away.

Bob said that without the prompt action of the Environment Agency team, led by Oliver Hill, many more fish would have been lost.