Man highlights dangers at popular walking route following clearance work

Chris Bates was out walking when he noticed maintenance work had been carried out on the banks of the Witham close to where the ‘Water Rail Way’ crosses a large drain by an old railway bridge, near the former Stixwould railway station.

He says brambles and shrubs - which once formed a barrier to prevent children, dogs and other uses slipping into the water- have been removed and not been replaced by proper fencing.

He said: “I didn’t realise the watercourse is called the Duckpool River - it is a deep and wide - much more so than the name implies.

“I fear for the life of a child falling through the exposed gap now or a dog or its owner trying to effect a rescue.”

Mr Bates has informed the Environment Agency who says they will take action.