'Keep off the ice!' British Waterways warns East Enders

WINTER walkers are being urged to stay safe on the towpaths of the East End s canals and rivers. British Waterways, which manages 100 miles of London s canals and rivers, is reminding people that the cold weather brings its own particular hazards and is c

WINTER walkers are being urged to stay safe on the towpaths of the East End's canals and rivers.

British Waterways, which manages 100 miles of London's canals and rivers, is reminding people that the cold weather brings its own particular hazards and is calling on people to take extra care in the snow and ice.

Towpaths, bridges and lock-sides can be particularly slippery at this time of year and snow can conceal trip hazards such as boat mooring rings close to the water's edge.

British Waterways warns that, although frozen waterways may look idyllic, they can be very dangerous and people should never attempt to walk on the ice.

The body's safety adviser Peter Wade said: "The canals and rivers are beautiful places to visit in the winter and there's nothing better than a stroll along the towpath to walk off some of the festive season's excesses.

"It is vital however that people take particular care to avoid turning a gentle walk into a miserable visit to A&E or worse.

"Children should be accompanied by an adult when they visit a waterway and should be made aware of the potential hazards, and we urge all visitors to stay safely away from the edge.