Woman taken to hospital after wheelchair rolled into lake
A WOMAN was taken to hospital after her wheelchair rolled into the lake at Botanic Gardens in Southport.
One witness said the woman, who was in her 30s, was “saved” after “screaming” at people walking past for help.
A North West ambulance service spokesperson confirmed the incident had taken place last Monday, saying “We were called at 13:43 and sent one ambulance and a rapid response vehicle.
“We took one patient, a female in her 30s, to hospital.”
The lake at the park, in Churchtown, has been at the centre of a huge campaign in recent months.
The Make A Change For Ben campaign group wants to see the lake cleaned and safety measures such as water aeration fountains installed, after 37-year-old Ben Crallan-Smith died following a fall into the lake.
Ben, from Southport, died in June
2018 after developing a rare bacterial infection from a cut on his leg.
At the time, Sefton Council said the water in the lake was tested after Ben’s death and confirmed to be of an “acceptable standard for a waterbody that is not designated bathing water”, while Public Health England were satisfied the lake was not the cause of infection.
Earlier this month, the council outlined ideas for up to £30,000 in improvements for the lake and lakeside area.
These include new water aeration fountains, the installation of new fencing and secure lifeline stations, as well as plans for annual community clean-up events.
The Make A Change For Ben campaign is determined to ensure that the lake is made safe for all the tens of thousands of families who visit the park every year.
‘No family should go through what we did’ – Ben Crallan-Smith’s dad speaks out: Pages 22-23