Calls have been made to protect a park's wildlife following the death of six Canadian geese in contaminated water.

Visitors to Verulamium Park were left upset on Saturday when they witnessed a goose being pulled out of the park's lake by St Albans District Council staff.

RSPCA inspectors said they were called out three times over the weekend and found one dead bird and had to put another five down.

Plans have been put in place to clean up the water with 150 tonnes of silt due to be removed during the summer at a cost of £29,000.

However, park users have demanded the council speed up the process in order to keep wildlife safe.

Animal welfare scientist Dr Mark Prescott, 42, of Cape Road, visited the park on Saturday and is among those who feel more has to be done to clean the lake up.

Dr Prescott said: “It was upsetting to watch an animal slowly dying and to hear that this is now the fate of many geese on the lake. Not only was it upsetting for me, but also for the crowd of bystanders, including children.

"It is outrageous that the council is not doing more, and quickly, to address this issue. Not only is the lake an eye sore for St Albans town, but it is also a serious animal welfare issue."

The council have been working in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on a long-term scheme to restore the River Ver to its natural state.

The build-up of silt in the lake is a result of leaves, bird droppings and fertiliser from nearby football pitches.

Last summer an outbreak of avian botulism killed several ducks and waterfowl and here is concern the virus could return if water quality is not improved.

Council bosses said they are working hard to keep all the animals in the park safe.

Richard Shwe, head of community services, said: “Our park rangers regularly monitor the health of the hundreds of birds using the lakes at Verulamium Park, an avian population that constantly changes as birds fly in and out on their migration routes.

“It is a natural and regular event for some of the birds to fall sick or die. We work closely with animal welfare groups which help treat the birds as and when is necessary.”