A SAFETY fence has gone up around what locals say is a “puddle”.
They mocked the 5x5m barrier, installed after a 5in-deep body of water was deemed a potential “drowning hazard”.
It is close to a completely unfenced pond in Rowntree Park, York.
One local said: “When you leave the park there’s a big flippin’ river with no signs or fences.
“Cope, just get on with enjoying the park.”
Another said: “Too many busybodies destroying everything.”
But gardener Paul Stevenson said it was in fact a mini-pond which can swell to three-feet deep when it rains.
York council said it was in a designated wetland area, and the fence was provided by a community partner.
It protects visitors near the children’s play area, the authority added.
Dave Atkinson, director of environmental and regulatory services at City of York Council said: “The shallow pond was dug last year as part of long-standing programme to create a wetland area in this corner of the park.
“Unfortunately, the temporary barriers which were installed previously have been pulled up, but new ones are due to be put in by the end of the month.”
