FEARS that children could be put in danger by an unlocked gate that leads down to a ‘dangerous’ river have been raised.

Gerald Duxbury has raised concerns about the area leading down to River Darwen in Dean Street, Darwen.

At the end of the street is a landscape area with trees which is popular with children, with a nearby area leading down to River Darwen usually fenced off.

The spot has deep water and water falls and Dean Street resident Mr Duxbury is concerned about a gate which was added into the fence recently.

He said the gate has been left unlocked, allowing children to play down there and risk falling into the river and drowning.

With children increasingly playing in the area during the summer holidays, he has called for the authorities to act to padlock the gate.

He said: “At the end of the street is a landscape area with trees. Kids love playing in this area especially during school holidays.

“The area leading down to River Darwen with deep water and water falls is normally fenced off. Recently a gate was added between the fence.

“This gate is unlocked leading to a dangerous area where kids could easily drown if they were to fall in the river which is often in flood.

Mr Duxbury said he had reported the issue several months ago to authorities including the council and police but nothing has been done.

He added: “Despite reporting this many months ago nobody is interested in fitting a padlock on the gate as a safety precaution.

“It’s the same old story you often see on the news nothing done until someone gets hurt or dies.

“I don’t know why the gate was added and why it’s been kept unlocked but something needs to be done about it.

“A pathway runs down to the waterfront at the bottom and all it takes is for a child to slip.”

Cllr Jane Oates, who represents the area, said: “I will find out who is responsible for the land and gate and get it secured. It is dangerous, especially during the school holidays and playing near there.”

Councillor Jim Smith, executive member for environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We thank Mr Duxbury for raising this. The land in question is not in council ownership but, because of the potential danger there, we will arrange to have the gate secured imminently.”