Hole lot of trouble (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Hole lot of trouble

9:39pm Monday 7th August 2006 in Search By Paul Wellstead

AN action group believes local agencies and the developer of Blunts Farm, Theydon Bois, have abdicated responsibility over children swimming in its water-filled pits.

Theydon Bois and Abridge Action Group wants developer Blunts Farm Estates, Epping Forest District Council, Essex Police and Government inspectors to "put aside self interest" to stop children swimming in the excavated pits.

A group spokesman said: "They've all exonerated themselves from this critical situation. We know for a fact that children have been swimming in these dangerous pits and feel it's their duty to ensure the site is made as safe as possible before a child drowns."

At last Thursday's Theydon Bois Parish Council meeting Police Sergeant Tony Walker criticised Blunts Farm Estates and Epping Forest Council for not taking action.

He said: "A police support officer spoke to the district council and found them unhelpful and the landowners have washed their hands. It will only take one of the children to get into trouble and drown and we need to address this with the district council to control it."

A district council spokesman said the responsibility for enforcement lies with the Health and Safety Executive and not with them.

He said: "The Health and Safety Executive is aware of the site and we've made sure they know about these latest concerns.

He added: "Clearly it's common sense not to swim in such places and there's a limit to the impact rules, regulations and warning signs can have in such circumstances."

A Health and Safety Executive spokesman confirmed it had been working with the developer to install fencing and signs and will continue to work with the body if evidence proves children have been swimming in the pits.

Blunts Farm Estates spokesman George Dilloway said it has employed guards to monitor the site.

He said: "We're doing everything we can but the best solution would be to get the holes filled in."

An action group spokesman said: "The developers are purely motivated by money and have no regard for residents and their safety. The agencies are only concerned that should a child be harmed they're not to blame.

"There's nothing more important than our children's safety and the agencies are only concerned that, should a child be harmed, they're not to blame."