Council Blames Hot Weather for deaths of Fish at Rossmere Park

The pond at Rossmere Park where the dead fish were discovered

Both Hartlepool Borough Council & The Environment Agency are investigating the incident believed to have been caused by 'a lack of oxygen' in the water caused by the recent spell of hot weather.

4th July 2025

Hartlepool Borough Council has confirmed that it's investigating a recent spate of dead fish found in the pond at Rossmere Park. The issues said to have sparked concerns among park visitors and local residents, with the Council now working alongside the Environment Agency to determine the root cause of the problem.

Recent hot weather being blamed !

According to an official statement from the Council, initial findings suggest that the recent warm weather is to blame, having caused a drop in oxygen levels within the pond – a condition that can prove fatal to fish. As a short-term response, patrols are being carried out to remove any dead fish, and oxygen levels are now being actively monitored.

To help alleviate the issue, an aerator – a device used to increase oxygen in the water – has been installed as a precautionary measure. The Council has promised to continue monitoring the situation closely over the coming days.

Whilst the explanation points to natural causes, some local residents have questioned whether underlying maintenance issues or water management practices could also be contributing factors.

With environmental conditions becoming more unpredictable, concerns have been raised about the Council's long-term planning and readiness to protect local wildlife in public parks.