Warning issued as more extreme weather is forecast

Hollingworth Lake partly frozen

Anyone planning to visit Hollingworth Lake is being warned to take extra care in the extreme icy weather.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning about the extreme weather conditions which are set to continue throughout the week, and claim that open water such as the lake or any other ponds and reservoirs could freeze over.

Fire crews are urging everyone to resist temptation when playing with ice, and to remember that even short exposure to extreme temperatures can have fatal consequences.

A spokesperson from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Children are most at risk as they frequently see an attraction with playing on ice; the dangers of this extremely dangerous activity should be emphasised to them.

Pets are also increasingly likely to become stranded if not kept under close control; this can often lead to people risking their own lives to reach them”.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said “It is an almost inevitable fact that a spate of cold weather usually means we will find ourselves attending incidents involving someone who has got into difficulty whilst playing on or near water. It may seem attractive to people but it is all too easy for them to get into trouble”.