The mass clean-up of a popular lake, that disgusted park users and caused concern for the RPSCA, is underway.

Tonnes of silt and rubbish was removed from Verulamium Lake as part of St Albans District Council’s operation to improve the condition of the lake.

Richard Shwe, head of community services at the council, said: “We are working with the Environmental Agency and Affinity Water to develop a scheme over the long term to restore the River Ver and the lakes to a more natural state and increase water flow.”

The council have hired Veolia, a company that manages water, waste and energy, to remove 150 tonnes of silt from the lake, costing £29,000.

Bird droppings, leaves and fertilizer from football pitches in the area are responsible for the silt that clings to the edges of the lake.

For months, passers-by have vented their upset over social media about the smell and appearance of Verulamium Lake. Many had witnessed dead geese being pulled from the lake by the council.

Speaking previously to the Review, Dr Mark Prescott, 42, of Cape Road, said: “Not only is the lake an eye sore for St Albans, it is also a serious animal welfare issue.”

RSPCA officers said that they “Strongly suspect” an outbreak of avian botulism after being called several times to tend to the sick geese at the lake.

Avian botulism is a paralytic disease that affects wild and captive birds but is typically found in waterfowl. The disease is lethal as it causes paralysis – symptoms include flaccidity in the legs, wings and neck – which in some cases causes the birds to drown.

Mr Shwe said: “In the meantime, park rangers will continue to monitor the water quality of the lakes and the condition of the waterfowl.”

The park rangers will advise visitors of the harmful effects of feeding the birds which indirectly contributes to the build-up of silt. According to the council, feeding the birds encourages birds to stay in the park, disrupting their natural migration patterns and resulting in large amounts of bird droppings.