CHILDREN skating and riding on the frozen Firs Park lake ignored residents' safety warnings this week. They twice ripped down newly-placed "keep off the ice" signs and threw them into the water. They disturbed wildlife on the island haven and strewed binbags full of rubbish throughout the park.

And to add to residents' misery, bottles were smashed throughout the area over the New Year weekend.

The trouble followed a hoax call on Wednesday to police and emergency services which said a child had fallen through the ice.

The police helicopter, six fire crews and two ambulances were scrambled following the prank which was traced to a mobile phone.

A spokesperson, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "We tried to stop children going onto the lake, but we got a load of abuse from some of them who are old enough to know better.

"Some were riding micro scooters and one even tried to ride a motorbike on it.

"Others were sliding on the ice, throwing at the birds on the island and slinging rubbish about.

"Nearby families look after the wildlife here, which includes swans, coots and Canada geese and well as ducks. We get grain for them from Lilford animal park and the local breadman contributes.

"We try to look after the park and we don't want to lose it because of the stupidity of the minority of idiots who are trying their best to wreck it.

"Fortunately there are sensible children who do come to look after the ducks. Even they tried to stop the riders putting their lives at risk, but were ignored. Parents would be horrified if they knew what their children were up to. Thankfully the ice has thawed and there is no further danger. But winter is not over yet and we appeal to parents to warn their children."

Wigan Council Rangers at both Firs Park and Pennington Flash said they had not received reports of children on the ice.