PEEL Ports has revealed why the Manchester Ship Canal passing through Stockton Heath is ‘bright green’.

There has been a number of reports from residents about the increased levels of algae in the canal.

One resident said: “In the past two decades that I have spent crossing the canal, I have never seen it look like that.”

They also described it as looking ‘bright green’.

But Peel Holdings, who that part of the canal is privately owned by, has said that the algae is not a ‘cause for concern’.

A spokesperson from Peel Ports said: “Algae is a natural occurrence that often appears in canals, particularly in the summer months and after a period of warm weather and reduced rainfall, such as the one we are currently experiencing.

“The Manchester Ship Canal is continually monitored and managed to ensure minimum navigational water levels are maintained.

“The algae is not a cause for concern as it is a natural process and will eventually disappear naturally.”