Keepers break ice to deter children

12:51pm Thursday 21st February 2008

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PARK keepers in Pendle are warning children not to walk on frozen lakes and ponds.

Children are being told to stay away from lakes and ponds that have frozen over during the recent spate of icy weather, during half term.

Park keepers have been breaking the ice in Marsden Park and Victoria Park in Nelson, Barrowford Park, and Ball Grove Park in Trawden, each morning to try to deter anyone from walking on frozen lakes and ponds.

Coun Ann Kerrigan, who is responsible for parks in Pendle, said: "Our park keepers are doing a great job, going out early every morning to break up the ice.

"But they can't be in all the parks at the same time, and some children are still going out onto the ice before the park keepers can get there to break it up.

"It's so dangerous, and I don't think most young people realise that.

"No one has been seriously hurt yet, but if they continue to walk on the ice, it's just a matter of time."

Michelle Matthews, Park Keeper for Barrowford Park, said : "We're asking young people not to walk on frozen lakes and ponds.

"Parents need to warn their children of the dangers of walking on the ice, and be aware of where they are and what they're getting up to."

If you have concerns, contact the park keepers on (01282) 661570.