NI Water has issued a warning to parents and youths of the dangers of playing near treatment works, reservoirs and construction sites over the Halloween holidays.

Michael Bergin, Health and Safety Manager at NI Water, said: "Understandably, natural curiosity will draw children and young people towards our sites. However, these are not playgrounds and fooling around at or near them can have very serious consequences.

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"I would urge all parents to explain to their children the dangers of playing in or around these areas. The remoteness of many of our sites could hamper and delay rescue attempts, should such a need arise.

"Similarly, we would also encourage parents to highlight the dangers of reservoirs and playing near them, not just in the autumn but at any time of the year. Reservoir water is bitterly cold even in the warmest summer weather, so imagine what they are like in the autumn and winter as temperatures drop.

"I would also ask the local community to be vigilant against vandalism at NI Water sites this holiday period. Damage and vandalism can cause major delays in work schedules which are aimed at providing local communities with a vital service and valuable time and money is wasted repairing the damage."

(CD/MH)