WOODLAND Trust Scotland has closed the car park at Pressmennan Wood after people were told to avoid coming into contact with water in the lake at the site.

Last Wednesday, East Lothian Council told people to avoid Pressmennan Lake, near Stenton, following the finding of blue-green coloured algae following water samples being taken from the lake.

Visitors are being warned to avoid the water and to make sure their dogs do the same, as the algae can be fatal to animals.

Notices have been posted at the site, which also ask people to avoid bathing in it.

A spokesman for the Woodland Trust said that the eight-space car park was closed and said the company had advised the public to stay away from the site until the danger had passed.

Woodland Trust Scotland does not own the lake but has a path that runs along its bank.

The spokesman added that he was unsure when the car park would reopen.

East Lothian Council has said that there is no effect on water supplies due to the algae.