THE heat of our blistering summer may have faded from our memories but the mystery of the ever receding water levels in one town is still causing concern. Potton Town Council now wants some answers as to why the water levels in Horse Brook and Potton Broo

THE heat of our blistering summer may have faded from our memories but the mystery of the ever receding water levels in one town is still causing concern.

Potton Town Council now wants some answers as to why the water levels in Horse Brook and Potton Brook continue to fall despite recent heavy rains.

Both brooks are fed by springs near Gamlingay and the water flows into Potton by a number of routes forming the two brooks.

The main brook the council is concerned about is the one that forms a pool near the Henry Smith playing field and boasts many large fish.

During the heat wave, emergency action was taken to replenish the pool's low level when the local fire service pumped in water during a training exercise to make sure the fish survived.

"The council is very concerned about the levels of water in both brooks," said town council clerk Val Moles.

"We are worried and want some answers. In recent weeks we have had a lot of rain but the levels in both brooks are no better.

"The water is still very low and the fish in the pond have been rescued once by the fire brigade but we still need more water."

The council is set to ask the River Ivel Internal Drainage Board for help in trying to solve why there is a lack of water in the brooks.

During the summer the board says it carried out an operation at both brooks clearing dead weed that had been choking the waterways to allow a better flow of water.

The board says it is aware of concerns over water levels but any work to remedy the situation will not be undertaken until next spring.

Barry Easom, clerk to the board, said: "The town council approached the board about lack of water in the channel on the north side of the playing field earlier in the year.

"We in turn passed their query on to the Environment Agency as the authority responsible for water resources and fisheries.

"The agency did not find any reason other than the generally low water table consistent with the drought conditions we were experiencing at the time.

"My experience over the past 16 years is that the stream always dries up in drought years.

"The water course upstream does flow through the housing estate in small bore pipes and every few years we inspect the culvert to ensure free discharge. This work is likely to take place next spring.