UNPOWERED boats can now travel along the Basingstoke Canal after levels of toxic algae receded.

Environment Agency officers found blue-green algae on the canal between Dogmersfield and Broad Oak on Friday, May 2, and closed the Hampshire section of the canal to boats.

The density of the algae has reduced, and the canal has now fully reopened. The algae can cause people skin rashes, vomiting, fever and muscle joint pain.