PEOPLE have been urged to stay off ice on Verulamium Lake as it is very unstable and could break at any time without warning.

St Albans District Council is alarmed at reports of members of the public potentially putting their lives at risk playing and ice skating on the lake. It has put up warning signs on Verulamium Park notice boards, advising park-goers to steer clear of the lake’s frozen surface.

There have been recent media reports of people who have died or suffered from severe hypothermia after falling through ice into freezing water elsewhere in the UK.

Portfolio holder for sport and leisure Cllr Anthony Rowlands said: Some adults may think it is safe to go onto the frozen lake. Past experience tells us that it is very risky because of the unstable surface. Children may be encouraged to take that risk if they see adults on the lake.”

For further information phone council’s parks department on 01727 819583 or email daniel.flitton@stalbans.gov.uk