Residents call for better management of estate

A child had to be rescued by emergency services after he sank into a muddy lakebed in Maghull this summer

Residents at a housing estate where a boy sank to his chest in a partly dried-up lake are calling for better management.

The child was rescued by emergency services this summer after walking across the lakebed at the Poppy Fields estate in Maghull, Merseyside.

David Leatherbarrow, who lives in the area and is a town councillor, said a dip was also left during follow-up work on a footpath, leading to a pregnant woman and a boy on his scooter being injured in separate incidents.

A spokesman for the estate's developer Persimmon Homes North West said they were "aware of the concerns" regarding the lake and that they were "committed to working with all parties to identify and resolve any issues".

More than 700 people have signed a petition launched by Mr Leatherbarrow which calls for restoration of the lake "to protect local wildlife and maintain sustainable water management".

The lake was used for therapeutic purposes when the site previously accommodated the first specialist hospital to treat World War One soldiers who had shellshock.

The lake was used for therapeutic purposes when there used to be a hospital for injured soldiers on the site

Residents have been reporting that water levels had been dropping over the past seven years, Mr Leatherbarrow said.

"This summer, the lakebed completely dried out. There was a large population of fish including large catfish and carp.

"Residents had to walk by rotting animals daily."

He said the problems were "compounded" after the developer completed an investigation into water loss.

"They left a large dip in an unlit footpath which we reported to the local authority and the developer," said Mr Leatherbarrow.

"It was acknowledged but left in situ for several months.

"A number of residents contacted me to report injuries, including a pregnant woman and a boy who fell from his scooter."

Residents said some wildlife also died as water levels dropped

A Persimmon Homes North West spokesman said: "While maintenance of the lake is the responsibility of the management company, we have been proactively working with local stakeholders to explore a solution to the reduced water levels."

He said fencing was erected in August "to secure the lake while the investigation is ongoing.

"This fencing will remain in place until mid-January at no cost to the residents.

"We were also made aware of a dipped path around the lake and can confirm this path will be repaired at no cost to the residents.

"This was communicated to local representatives in a recent update letter."