High Peak MP Robert Largan has slammed “silly reporting” on the news that Derbyshire Police have dyed the water black in the so called “blue lagoon” near Buxton.

The reports have been widespread in the national press and were even reported on the Andrew Marr show on the BBC on Sunday.

The reports typically claim that the 'local beauty spot' has been dyed black as part of the Coronavirus lockdown measures.

However, the reality is that the water in the disused quarry is dyed black regularly to discourage people from swimming in the toxic water.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“There has been lots of really silly reporting about Buxton’s ‘blue lagoon’ flying about. The water is dyed black regularly and has nothing to do with coronavirus. The water is so toxic that it’s dangerous to swim in, because it’s an old limestone quarry.

“Derbyshire Police have faced deeply unfair criticism over this when they are trying to do an incredibly difficult job.”

Local Councillor and quarry worker, Linda Grooby added:

“The water has the same PH content as bleach. It has been dyed like this for at least the last 7 years. The water has old vehicles and dead animals in it. It is the lime deposits that make it blue and appear attractive for people to swim in when it’s actually very dangerous.”