Keep off the ice warning at reservoir

A WARNING has been issued for people to stay off the ice at ponds and reservoirs.

It comes after a group of teenagers and adults were spotted on the partially frozen water at Clatto Reservoir in Dundee.

The timely warning comes as the cold spell has tempted people to take to the ice throughout Tayside and also in other parts of Scotland.

People were cleared off the pond at Queen’s Park in Glasgow on Wednesday after a 12-year-old boy fell through the ice.

Officers were in the park at the time and were made aware of the youngster’s fall, prompting them to remove others from the pond. The boy was uninjured.

Dorothy McHugh, of Friends of Clatto, said: “I couldn’t believe it when there were people seen on the partially frozen water on Wednesday afternoon.

“I phoned the police. This was incredibly stupid. The reservoir wasn’t completely frozen and it would be so easy for someone to fall through.

“We are imploring people to stay off the ice. The water is 23ft deep in places and dangerous.”

Dorothy said there are several signs at the reservoir warning people to stay off the ice.

One parkgoer said: “I was walking here when I saw some people on the ice.

“The ice was really only frozen at the edges and was clearly very dangerous.

“It looked like it could give way at any time and anyone on it was in very serious danger of falling through – not only risking their own life but that of anyone else who would have to go to their rescue.

“People must be sensible and stay off the ice. There are very clear signs around the reservoir warning people and they are there for a very good reason.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Officers received a call of concern about people on the frozen Clatto Reservoir, around 3pm on January 6.

“Police attended and those on the frozen reservoir dispersed before any advice could be given.

“A visible presence was maintained to remind the public of the dangers that can be posed by walking on ice and frozen bodies of water.”

A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “We would ask citizens to stay off frozen water.

“It may appear safe but is extremely dangerous.

“We are in the process of placing signs around Clatto Reservoir to warn against going on to the frozen water.”

There are clear signs around Clatto Reservoir telling people to keep off the ice.