Shock summer warning for North West youngsters

20 July 2009

Fun-loving youngsters across the North West are being warned to avoid the shocking consequences of playing too close to overhead power lines this summer.

Apparently harmless activities like fishing and flying a kite could be lethal if poles or strings come into contact with wires.

United Utilities construction and repair manager Alan Lowes said children often did not realise the danger they were in.

"If a fishing rod or a kite string gets too close to an overhead power line you don't want to be holding onto the other end. Electricity can jump short distances and it can kill so always keep your distance," he said.

Although it's rare for anyone to be hurt, every year engineers in the North West find evidence that people have taken unnecessary chances. They find string and fishing line wrapped round wires.

United Utilities runs the North West's electricity supply network on behalf of Electricity North West and wants parents to give their kids a quick pep talk before they head out to play with kites or fishing poles.

"We don't want to ruin their fun, but tell them to have a good look around before they play. If they can see overhead wires they need to walk away and find somewhere else that's safer," said Alan.

United Utilities urges people to look out for warning signs and keep clear of equipment like substations marked with the yellow "danger of death" symbol.

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