AN ANGLER who watched in horror as a gang of 20 youngsters swam in a lodge is to contact a fishing club to ask for more security.

Mr Thomas Holroyd who was fishing at The Dingle, Little Lever, said: "It is an accident just waiting to happen. The youngsters just do not appreciate the dangers.

And his chilling warning comes as North West Water issued a "Stay Clear of Reservoirs" message with the Spring Bank Holiday just a week away.

Mr Holroyd said: "Apart from the dangers of swimming in cold water and getting into difficulty, there is the added hazard of Weil's Disease which is carried by rats. And The Dingle is rat infested." Mr Holroyd of Swinside Road, Breightmet, is a member of Bolton Angers and was fishing at the lodge during Monday afternoon's heatwave.

"A crowd of about 20 youngsters aged between eight and 14, arrived. We shouted at them but all we got back was abuse. They were messing about and even riding a bike down the hill and into the water. They have no idea how dangerous it is. They were in shoes and shorts. I am very worried about these youngsters."

Mr Holroyd added: "I will be contacting the Club and speaking to the head bailiff to see it we can get more policing in the area. A youngster died in the canal not far away." North West Water Authority have already issued a warning to people not play near reservoirs or lodges, especially during hot weather.

During the last Easter Bank Holiday heatwave, there was a full scale emergency operation after a dog owner attempted to rescue his drowning pet at Rivington. The owner managed to get out of the water but his dog died.

The message from North West Water is clear: "Stay away and find properly supervised pools or beaches to swim in."

John Barnes, water services director, said: "Parents should warn their children about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs. "Reservoirs in use have water drawn from them through pipes and there are very strong undertows created.

"Many reservoirs slope deeply at the sides so that swimmers can find themselves out of their depth before they realise it. Water immediately below the surface is so cold that you can easily get cramp."