Signs warning of a deep pond near a children's play park are needed, a mayor has said. 

There is currently nothing to alert parents and youngsters to the pond near Centenary Field, between Barleythorpe Road and Huntsman Drive in Oakham, the town council was told by its mayor, Sally-Anne Wadsworth

Rutland County Council recently adopted the play area at Centenary Field, which is covered by CCTV.

Speaking at a town council meeting last week, Cllr Wadsworth said: "There is currently no signage for the play area, which should only be accessible from Ellingworth Close, and within metres of the play area there is a detention pond for surface water storage and a flood protection to downstream areas of Oakham. 

"The pond is unfenced. It has no warning signs."

A report presented to the meeting by Cllr Phil Wildbore said the pond is understood to be owned by Bellway and managed by Greenbelt. Rutland County Council, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency will not take it on.

The report went on to highlight several well-known issues with the area: "The play area is readily accessible to Centenary Field. Large groups of older children congregate in the play area especially after dusk. Scattered litter becomes a frequent problem in the play area. Biffa maintain these bins in the play area for Rutland County Council. The insecure gate provides a route for toddlers to leave and for dogs to enter."

Anti-social behaviour, pond safety and litter were just some of the reasons given by both locals and Cllrs for the rejection of the skatepark proposed for the field last year.

Now, the town council will ask Rutland County Council to consider locking maintenance gates to the play area and having an alternative gate that does not face the pond. 

Signs were also discussed.

Cllr Wadworth said: "With the play area now managed by Rutland County Council, I am happy we have instructed our clerk to talk with them regarding these important issues, while we will look at prices for signs to display regarding the CCTV and the danger of a deep pond."