People warned against swimming at nature reserve

Emma PetrieBBC News
News imageNorth Lincs Council digger laying stones at watersideNorth Lincs Council
The stones have been laid to try and deter bathers

More than 100 tonnes of large stones have been placed beside the water's edge at a nature reserve to deter bathers.

North Lincolnshire Council said the waters at Ashby Ville Nature Reserve are dangerous, but people are still swimming in the pond.

A 14-year-old boy drowned in the waters in 2021.

The nature reserve attracts crowds of visitors, especially in warm weather, the council said.

The authority said people are still swimming and getting into difficulty despite warning signs, police patrols and £100 fines for entering the water.

Councillor Rob Waltham said: “There is no doubt that Ashby Ville pond can be a dangerous place – it is a disused quarry, it is very deep.

“Despite this, people still insist on risking their lives."

He said laying down the stones might seem an "extreme measure" but they would not compromise when it comes to "saving lives".

"We are doing everything we can to make this area a safe place for people to enjoy.”

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