News that birds are once again dying in large numbers at Edmonton's Pymmes Park Lake has upset conservationists.

Residents Theresa Lefley and Linda Badham have worked hard over the past year to ensure the wildfoul have been protected after 70 birds died on the poisoned water in 2003.

Thames Water was called in to clean up sewage from the lake and Enfield Council conducted tests and kept a close eye on the situation.

Now the problem is back but this time the authorities have failed to come to the rescue, leaving Theresa and Linda fighting a losing battle.

It should not be left to residents to rescue the birds. The park is the responsibility of Enfield Council which should act fast when wildlife is being poisoned on a lake in its ownership.

The Independent applauds Theresa, Linda and fellow campaigner Caroline Hodgson along with wildlife rescuers who have been visiting the lake daily, doing what they can to save any sick birds.

It is now time for Enfield Council to step in and do what it can before it is too late.