WITH the school holidays now stretching ahead, may I appeal to parents in Lancashire to warn their children of the dangers of playing in quarries. It's vital that everyone understands that if young people play in quarries they could be risking their lives!
Quarries might seem an adventure playground. But the lakes in them that look inviting to swim in are often very deep and icy cold. Large piles of sand may look like great places to tunnel, but can collapse and suffocate a child in seconds.
Children have died and others have been seriously injured in situations like these over recent years. A particularly widespread problem involves children motorbikes using quarries as scramble tracks.
Our members operate some 12 quarries in Lancashire. They take their safety responsibilities seriously but a recent national survey shows that they are increasingly concerned about "accidents waiting to happen".
The report that the fencing they erect is regularly broken down, safety signs vandalised and warnings given by staff ignored.
No one wants to spoil children's fun but there are many better places to play and more exciting activities to get involved in.
ELIZABETH CLEMENTS, Public relations manager, Quarry Products Association, Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1.
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