Children playing on frozen lake sparks safety fears

Safety warnings have been issued after a group of children were spotted walking on and scooting across a frozen pond.

The youngsters were photographed by residents of Tadpole Garden Village in north Swindon, Wiltshire, playing on the ice at Sheerer Pond.

Daniel Adams, Councillor for Swindon St Andrews, said he had contacted schools asking for children and parents to be warned of the dangers, particularly as there are no lifebuoy rings at the pond.

A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson confirmed life rings will be installed, adding: "We expect this equipment to be installed next week and encourage parents and children not to play on frozen water due to the risk of falling through the ice."

Adams hopes more young people can be made aware of the dangers of frozen ponds.

"It's just a blanket concern everywhere essentially," he added. "Education just needs to be instilled in children, and adults in some cases, that it just simply isn't safe to go out on the ice."

John Spencer, headteacher at Tadpole Farm primary school, sent a message to parents informing them that children were being advised in school that walking on frozen ponds was unsafe.

Monday was the UK's coldest night of winter so far, with many people in Wiltshire waking up to frost or snow.

The Crest Nicholson spokesperson added: "Safety is an absolute priority for us across our communities.

"Following the prolonged period of cold weather and a recent safety review of the pond in Tadpole Garden Village, we will be providing life rings alongside clear 'in case of emergency' instructions for residents."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.