Parks bosses have been accused of ignoring safety fears over a lake in Newcastle.
Major concerns were aired over the lake in Leazes Park last winter, after a local vicar almost stepped out onto the frozen water when he mistook it for snow-covered grass. But, five months on, the Rev Mark Edwards says he has been left “flabbergasted” that there are still no warning signs or lifebuoys around the lake despite his warnings – and fears that there could be a tragedy this summer unless action is taken quickly, believing a child could “easily” slip down a slope at the edge of the water.
Mr Edwards, of St Matthews Church in Dinnington, said: “We are coming up to the summer months and if it’s a repeat of last summer’s heatwave the water is going to be an attraction to children and adults alike. I am flabbergasted but not surprised that those responsible for the park do not take the health and safety of the patrons seriously enough to have lifebuoys in prominent positions around the water edge.”
