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Dead fish in Sellindge, between Ashford and Hythe, left to rot at Taylor Wimpey estate

Fed-up residents say "smelly" dead fish being left to rot on a new-build estate have become a "health hazard".

The common carp have been pictured next to an overgrown pond at the Taylor Wimpey site in Sellindge, between Hythe and Ashford.

Two dead fish have been put on the bank of the pond, but residents are concerned this is a health hazard. Picture: Sue Pheby
Two dead fish have been put on the bank of the pond, but residents are concerned this is a health hazard. Picture: Sue Pheby

KentOnline recently reported how the fish were seen floating on the surface of the water - but now they have been "thrown onto" the bank nearby.

Sellindge resident Sue Pheby said: "Is this the way to clean the pond, by just leaving the dead fish on the bank of the pond?

"They are beginning to smell. Surely now this is becoming a health hazard with dead fish just left on the surface.

"There are still dead fish in the water and Taylor Wimpey just say that it was the summer drought which caused the water to be short this winter."

Mrs Pheby says she does not know how the fish got out of the water.

"l took photos of the dead fish just thrown onto the bank but l have no idea who did it," she said.

"The fencing all remained intact so they would have had gained access with spanners to undo the fencing.

"l can’t believe that this was a spur of the moment vandalism.

"l just need someone to do something."

Mrs Pheby says she thinks if the fish were removed and put somewhere safe, then moorhen could live around the pond.

The pond in Sellindge. Picture: Richard Jones
The pond in Sellindge. Picture: Richard Jones

"The village need to agree once a year to take the lilies out," she said.

"I am sure there would be some volunteers."

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: "We are aware of reports of dead fish in the pond and would like to assure local residents that there is no health and safety risk.

“We expect that the recent rainfall will help to increase water levels in the pond and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

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