Speculation has been rife over why and how the lily pond in Great Yarmouth’s historic Venetian Waterways has turned bright green.
People have been sharing pictures on social media of the pool, offering up various theories over what had happened to cause the colour change.
Some wondered if it was some sort of treatment process, an algae, or the actions of bored youngsters up to no good during the lockdown.
There were even rumours of a skeleton in the water, thrown in for good measure, and adding a gruesome twist to the mystery.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council, which owns the Grade II listed site, however, was quick to solve the conundrum.
In a statement it said: “The council is well aware of the situation at the Venetian Waterways lily pond and consider it to be an act of very disappointing vandalism.
“We have already made arrangements to restore the water to its normal state as soon as possible.”
The exact nature of the dye or whether it is toxic is not yet known, but passers-by have moved to reassure Facebook users that they have seen a few fish swimming around.
The council spokesman added: “It is thought to be some kind of chemical dye.
“The pond will be drained, cleaned and then refilled as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, a council worker was summoned to the scene to retrieve what had been reported as “a skeleton” floating in the fluorescent pool.
On closer inspection, and after some rooting around, it turned out to be a fragment of spine, around 6ins long, and made of plastic rather than bone.
Noticing the colour change members of the public have been sharing their thoughts on social media branding those behind the stunt as “morons” or “idiots.”
One person said it made their blood boil when idiots try to spoil things that a lot of work has gone into.
Generally people were annoyed, concerned about the impact on wildlife, and calling for parents to take responsibility for their children.
Such was the level of interest the council has put up a sign saying they are aware.
The Venetian Waterways reopened last summer after a £2.7m revamp.
The seven-acre park in North Drive is considered a tranquil antidote to Great Yarmouth’s gaudy Golden Mile and a huge restoration success.
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