Warning to stay away from frozen ponds (From The Northern Echo)

Warning to stay away from frozen ponds

5:33pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in Darlington

PEOPLE have been warned to stay away from frozen ponds and lakes amid reports that people have been seen walking on thin ice.

Rangers from Darlington Borough Council have received a number of calls from the public to say they have seen people walking on frozen ponds.

The service has reminded people that walking on thin ice could be fatal and asked them to avoid putting themselves into danger.

There are a number of ponds across the town in nature reserves at Drinkfield Marsh, Redhall, Firthmoor, Brinkburn and Faverdale, as well as the lake at South Park.

John Robson, group manager at Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue, said: “Members of the public would be foolish to walk on frozen ponds because of the obvious risks associated with falling into freezing cold water.

“The fire service is available but members of the pubic should take it upon themselves to not put themselves in this position in the first place.”

To report anyone walking on frozen ponds contact the council’s rangers on 01325-383099 or 07966-947101 during out of office hours.

In case of emergency call 999.