Children are dicing with death by swimming in a canal basin on a luxury estate, says a waterways chief.

Now British Waterways has issued a strong danger warning to parents on the development at Apperley Bridge.

The company's contractors were moving on to the estate today beginning work on a multi thousand pound scheme at the basin.

It will become an innovative leisure attraction with boat owners invited to moor there and with community events involving the residents.

The development has been beset with problems and residents have gone to the Local Government Ombudsman with complaints about planning enforcement.

Parts of the development, including lights and landscaping are still uncompleted following problems when the original developer Maltsword was put in the hands of an administrator.

The canal basin - advertised as a marina and a main selling point for the houses - was put on the market after being constructed at a cost of £400,000.

It was bought by British Waterways and a temporary employee will now be based at the basin while the contractors fit out facilities for long term and visitor moorings.

The work will also include lighting and signs.

Waterways manager David Blackburn said they were delighted the scheme was going ahead.

But he added: "We are very concerned that it is being used for swimming and have contacted residents to warn them of the dangers."

He said people jumping into cold water could suffer heart attacks and cramp.

Mr Blackburn warned that canal water was full of micro organisms which could make swimmers ill.

He pointed out that swimmers could also be injured or even entangled in debris.

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