Families were warned to keep their children away from the waters on The Rye during the summer holiday rush after a health scare sparked safety fears.

Wycombe District Council has now confirmed that samples taken by the Enivornment Agency from the Dyke at the Rye do not contain the potentially dangerous blue-green algae as originally suspected.

Members of wildlife hospital Tiggywinkles in Haddenham were called out to test the waters of The Dyke in the park after a dead swan was discovered in the lake of Wycombe Abbey School, which links to The Dyke.

Boating on the lake was suspended yesterday but this afternoon staff were given the all-clear.

Tiggywinkles manager Tim Moran told the Bucks Free Press they suspected the water contained a toxin which could cause the rare but life-threatening condition botulism, which attacks the nervous system and causes paralysis.

Drastic action was taken with the council initially urging people and pets to stay away from the water, after it was revealed possible blue-green algae, which can be harmful to humans and animals.

Earlier today, families at The Rye voiced concerns amid growing fears over the state of The Dyke, with some telling the Bucks Free Press they would not go boating or let their children near the water until it was given the all-clear.

Dad Gary Prowse said: “We were really surprised to find out about this and wouldn't use the boats until it has been proven there is nothing in the water.

“We have been using it for months. It would be pretty irresponsible if we used it now that we know there is an issue.”

Mandy Johnston echoed Mr Prowse’s worries, saying she wouldn’t want her kids to go boating until she knows it is “definitely safe”.

She said: “With kids they can't resist putting their hands in the water.

“I won't use the boats until I hear that it's ok.”

Miriam Surfraz said she would not be letting her children “anywhere near the water” and would not be using the boats “just in case”, adding: “We just went on them last week and had no idea – I think they should be testing it regularly.”

Steve Fairchild, owner of The Rye café, also told the Free Press he thought the council should keep a closer eye on the water and test it more frequently.

He said: “I didn’t know anything about this until Tiggywinkles came out to test it and then had a call from the council to ask us to stop the boats going out.

“It was annoying at first but people’s health comes before money.

“It would be good if they tested it more often – you would think they would want to keep it in check a lot more.”

In a statement, WDC said: “The Environment Agency has carried out tests on The Dyke and confirmed the samples did not appear to contain any traces of blue-green algae.

"As a result, the suspension of boating on The Dyke has been lifted.

"The council will continue to monitor the water as a matter of course."

According to official advice, some forms of blue-green algae can produce toxins which can kill animals and cause an array of health problems in humans including skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain, if swallowed or swam through.