Farron calls on Government to issue public broadcasts on dangers posed by frozen water

12.00.00am GMT Tue 12th Jan 2010

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has appealed to the Government to issue public information adverts for radio stations to warn children about the dangers of playing on frozen water.

Low temperatures have seen waterways across the county freeze, but solid-looking surfaces can hide dangerous thin ice and freezing water beneath. There have been no reports of people falling through ice in Cumbria, but Mr Farron wants to make sure it stays that way.

Tim has written to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Ben Bradshaw, asking him to commission a radio commercial for network broadcasters to highlight the dangers of playing on frozen ice.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"The government already produces radio commercials for safety issues such as CO2, swine flu and car safety, but as of yet have produced nothing to warn children about the dangers of playing on frozen ice.

"We've been very fortunate that so far no one here in Cumbria has got hurt by venturing onto frozen bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes. But it would be incredibly complacent if we took this good fortune for granted and didn't take all the necessary precautions.

"The Government should issue a public information advert to urge parents to know where their children are when they are out in cold weather and discuss with them the dangers of playing our on frozen water."