Parents demand action to fence off ‘death-trap’ pond

Mar 27 2008 by Julia Bosnyak, Glamorgan Gazette

A MOTHER-OF-THREE is calling for a “death trap” pond to be fenced off after her son fell in and got stuck.

Sian Williams, of Cae Canol, Nottage, said son Alex was just three when the incident happened.

“He was playing football and something attracted him to the water. I think he thought it was a puddle,” said Mrs Williams.

“It’s difficult to tell how deep the water is, but when he went in I was shocked, because it went right above his waist.

“He was actually stuck in the mud and couldn’t get out.

“Thank goodness I was there with him. Anything could have happened. The pond is dangerous.”

Mrs Williams said worried parents in Cae Canol had offered to fence the pond off themselves, but had been told it had to be done through the council.

In a letter to Porthcawl Town Council Julie Mullins, another mother of Cae Canol who lives adjacent to the pond, warned it is an accident waiting to happen.

She said last month members of the Newt Society had cleaned out weeds and shrubs from the pond, which holds 5ft to 6ft of water.

“Within 50 yards there are 14 children under the age of 10,” she wrote.

“The pond is totally unrestricted. If any child slipped or fell I honestly don’t think they would get back out.

“It is an accident waiting to happen.”

Mrs Mullins said residents would be willing to contribute to fencing to prevent a potential tragedy.

“As much as I respect the need to preserve wildlife, it is a death trap and needs to be fenced,” she said.

Coun Eileen Edwards said: “I have been to have a look at it and it looks quite deep to me.

“Most of the mums and dads would prefer to fence it off. There are a lot of small children.”

Coun Edwards said the town council could work in partnership with parents and Bridgend County Borough Council to solve the problem.

Suggesting a site meeting, she said gardens in the area are open plan and the pond is like an extension to them.

Coun Norah Clarke said residents had even been concerned about the pond when she was borough councillor for Nottage, when there was no water in it.

Coun Smart said: “It does appear to be an accident waiting to happen.”

Councillors agreed to arrange a site meeting at the pond.