Thunderstorms triggered by this month’s sweltering temperatures have been blamed for the death of around 100 freshwater fish in Ilford.

Ilford Recorder: Around 100 fish were found dead in the lake in South ParkAround 100 fish were found dead in the lake in South Park (Image: Archant)

The fish were discovered in a wildlife lake in South Park, South Park Road on Tuesday evening.

Anne Hoad, chairman of South Park Users Group, said the fish died due to low oxygen levels in the lake where the water flow had become stagnant.

“The storms we had on Monday somehow took the oxygen out of the water,” she explained.

Mrs Hoad confirmed the deaths were not caused by contamination in the water.

Yesterday, (Weds), a pump was installed in the lake to oxygenate the water.

According to the Met office, Monday was the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching 33.5C in west London.

At Foxburrows Farm in Hainault Forest County Park, staff have been working to ensure all the animals get their creature comforts.

A council spokesman said: “At Foxburrows Farm, the animals are regularly checked to make sure they have plenty of shade and water and that the pigs have somewhere to wallow and there are puddles for the ducks and geese.

“Quite a lot of the animals are sun tolerant, such as the donkeys and goats, but are still regularly checked as part of the daily routines to make sure they are healthy and their needs are catered for.”

For Provender – a French bistro in High Street, Wanstead – it is business as usual. With an outside terrace and air-conditioning inside, staff and customers are keeping cool.

“Nobody is wilting with the heat,” said chef Max Renzland. “But it is the humidity which is slightly less agreeable.”

Drinks all round has been the order of the sweltering days at Woodlands Nursing Home in Gordon Road, Ilford.

“We seem to be all right,” said the home’s manager, Usha Patel, whose staff take care of 22 people from 79 up to 103 years old.

“We have increased fluid intakes and we are trying to keep it under control by turning off the lights and keeping the fans on,” he added.