WILDLIFE in Canvey Lake appears not to have been harmed by contaminated bread dumped there by thieves.

The Echo reported earlier this week it was feared toxic chemicals might end up in the lake after thieves stole four sacks of past-its-sell-by-date bread from bins behind Greggs bakery, in Furtherwick Road.

The loaves were then dumped in the water last Friday.

Fears were raised about the effect the chemicals might have on wildlife, including swans and fish. There were also worries about rats which were attracted to the lake because of the bread.

However, Canvey Town Council, which is responsible for the lake, says it has been monitoring the water closely over the past week and can confirm no harm appears to have been done to the wildlife.

The council also said representatives from Greggs had since removed the bread from the water.

Geraldine Vallis, the council’s community and events officer, said: “We have been going along to the lake this week to monitor the situation and all the animals there seem not to have been affected by the contaminants in the bread.

“We have also had confirmation from the manager at the Canvey branch of Greggs the bags were removed on Wednesday by the company, which we are very grateful for.

“However, we still want to urge residents not to flytip in the lake, as it is damaging to the environment and to our efforts to improve the water quality and surrounding area.”

A rodent control officer is also working with the council to reduce the number of vermin at the lake.