"Keep off the ice" warning

That is the message from the countryside rangers at Rotherham Borough Council who are warning the public not to venture onto frozen water at the borough's various country parks.

Despite warning signs about thin ice being installed at country parks and other locations, both young and old alike have had to be warned-off the ice by rangers.

Phil Gill, green spaces manager for the council, said: “We are really concerned because we are fearful of someone ending-up in the water with possible tragic consequences.

“We know it is cold but these stretches of water are very big and very deep and the ice is very thin.

“It will simply not stand the weight in some places and we simply do not want any tragedies that could be easily avoidable. 

“Rangers have had to order people—both children and adults off the ice at both Thrybergh and Ulley—as well as warn other individuals.

“They are also advising dog owners to keep their pets away from the ice and under no circumstances throw items onto the ice, such as balls and sticks, for their dogs to fetch.”