'World's going mad' - Locals mock new safety fence installed around 5in deep puddle - next to open lake
Puzzled residents have been left scratching their heads after a wooden fence was erected around a five-inch deep 'puddle' in their local park.
The small body of water in Rowntree Park in York had the square 5x5m barrier fitted on Tuesday (Feb 10), after a local raised it could be a drowning hazard to children.
But many residents say they have been left scratching their heads by the decision, believing health and safety has 'gone mad'.
The dismay comes as the park also features an unfenced pond as well as being a stone's throw from the River Ouse.
One local said: "Oh give over - there's a big pond in the park, there's no fence around that and the path is normally covered in slippy goose poo.
"When you leave the park there's a big flippin' river with no signs or fences. Cope, just get on with enjoying the park."
Another said: "Just to point out there's a huge duck pond running the whole length of the park with no barriers and you don't get children drowning in it and its deeper.
"So why the heck suggest to over health and safety bogs/ponds…. World's going mad. Too many busy bodies destroying everything."
The two metre wide 'puddle' can be found in the corner of the park which is near a children's play area.
It is unknown where it came from with the council stating earlier this week it is under 'investigation'.
A pond behind it was dug as part of the charity York Carers ongoing Big Community Challenge wetland programme and was originally fenced off.
The aim of the project is to 'maintenance and restoration of river and wetland areas in York' and 'preserve and improve biodiversity'. This area was originally fenced off, according to officials.
On Monday (Feb 9) Dave Atkinson, director of environmental and regulatory services at City of York Council said: "The shallow pond was dug last year as part of long-standing programme to create a wetland area in this corner of the park.
"Unfortunately, the temporary barriers which were installed previously have been pulled up, but new ones are due to be put in by the end of the month."
One local, Paul Stevenson, 39, said it was a good thing the undisclosed 'puddle' has been fenced off as according to him, when it rains the 'puddle' can grow to as deep as 36 inches.
The gardener said: "To naked eye it looks like an innocent puddle. You wouldn't let your child run up to the pond or river and jump in it, would you?
"It is a small pond disguised as a puddle, children and parents could think is safe to have a splash in.
"Parents know what the dangers of large bodies of water are, but this literally looks like a puddle."
York Council has been approached for further comment.