Visitors to Mote Park are being warned to stay away from the water by the Maidstone Borough Council after sewage began to leak.

Heavy rainfall last week caused the park's entrance to be closed so Southern Water could fix the problem.

The entrance has since reopened but visitors are being warned to take care when they visit.

Today is the final day of a ban on watersport activities on the park's lake.

Following the leak, the Environment Agency was called in to test the state of the water, which visitors complained "absolutely stunk".

A statement from Mote Park read: "In the interest of public safety, we would request that visitors avoid contact with water in the lake. Fishing and boating are not permitted. We also ask for people not to allow their dogs in the water.

"People who do come into contact with the water, should wash their hands thoroughly before eating any food.

"All cuts or open wounds should be kept covered."

The affected areas have been cordoned off with all other park facilities open.