January 7, 1977

A REDDITCH park warden has warned that youngsters skating on the frozen over Arrow Valley Lake are in great danger of falling through the ice.

Mr John Lewis, warden of the Arrow Valley Park, has said that the ice in some parts of the 30-acre lake is not thick enough to support even the smallest child.

"I am forever chasing children off the lake," said the 36-year-old man, "most of them are in the 10-15 age bracket.

"I try and explain to them the dangers of skating on the ice but many don't seem to listen.

"If they all went on the ice in a group, I'm sure it would give up under the weight.

"Although it looks quite safe in places, it is misleading.

"There only has to be one small fracture for the ice to break and the skaters to drown.

Mr Lewis added: "I have even seen some actually ride their bikes over the ice - it is totally ludicrous."