Temperatures in the early 30s caused algae to form in the fountains PA

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WHILE the rest of Europe is green with envy at London's red-hot temperatures, one of the city's most famous landmarks is just, well, green.

This week's heatwave has turned Trafalgar Square's world-famous fountains a lime-green colour, as temperatures in the early 30s have caused large amounts of green algae to form in the ponds.

The fountains' chlorination system has been blamed for the growth, and the Greater London Authority, which oversees them, confirmed they would need to be drained and cleaned. The problems come just months after the fountains were reopened following a year-long restoration project costing £190,000.

“The heatwave has led to the fountains having the perfect growing conditions for algae,” said Dr Mark Spencer, a curator at the Natural History Museum. “The temperature is perfect for growth, and the algae has sunlight, essential for photosynthesis, and oxygen, which is put into the water from the fountain.”

"The heatwave has led to the fountains having the perfect growing conditions for algae"

Temperatures are predicted to hit 34C on Thursday, with Londoners queuing to buy electric fans. Comet is reporting a 897 per cent rise in sales in the past week, while Tesco's fan sales have rocketed an incredible 1,900 per cent.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils, said its members were preparing for the possibility of the number of sick or elderly people dying as a result of heat exceeding the 2,000 recorded in 2003.

The Federation of Small businesses sounded a warning that heatwave conditions could spark a wave of absences as workers feign illness to enjoy the sunshine.

And Brendan Barber, the general secretary of the TUC, urged bosses to consider allowing staff to swap their shirt and tie for shorts and T-shirts.