A lake will receive some new residents tomorrow to help it recover from the effects of cold weather.

Staff from the Environment Agency will remove roach and perch from a lake at Wilton Park, off Bradford Road, on the Birstall side of Batley, and transfer them to Yeadon Tarn.

The new additions to the tarn will help restore fish stock numbers and encourage more people to try angling at the site.

The tarn suffered a spate of oxygen-related fish deaths last year after a cold snap, and will take the fish from Wilton Park, which has become dangerously overcrowded. The Batley lake, owned by Kirkless Council, is full of large roach and perch, and this overcrowding has led to depleted oxygen levels, making it difficult for fish to survive.

The removal of the mature fish will enable younger fish to develop and encourage breeding and improve the condition of the lake.

As well as Yeadon Tarn, fish will also be taken to Cottingley Manor Lake and both sites, which allow anglers to fish with day tickets, hope to see new and potential anglers hone their skills.

“The move will free-up space in Wilton Park and support fish populations at the other two locations,” said Pete Turner, the Environment Agency’s fisheries officer.

“Yeadon Tarn suffered oxygen-related fish deaths in April due to cold weather and we’re hoping the introduction of the fish from Wilton Park will help the population to recover.

“We’ve made improvements to Cottingley Manor Lake, including better access for disabled anglers, and now is a good time to consolidate our previous fish stocking.”

Councillor Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council’s executive member for leisure, said: “We are happy to be working with the Environment Agency and to be receiving these fish from Kirklees Council.

“They will hopefully help introduce more people to angling.”