Ha'penny Bridge in Lechlade Picture Ref: 77256-03POLICE have issued a stern warning to young people hoping to enjoy the sunshine in Lechlade bridges and alcohol do not mix.

The advice comes after around 60 Oxford students were injured jumping off Magdalen Bridge into the River Cherwell as part of May Day celebrations.

The water was just 3ft deep and around 30 were taken to hospital with spinal injuries, broken legs, ankles and ribs and a further 30 were treated at the scene.

Lechlade's Ha'penny Bridge, over the River Thames, is traditionally a place where revellers jump off in the summer.

Insp Richard Smith, of Gloucestershire Police, which covers the town, said: "As we hit the summer and people have a drink in the sun, they get intoxicated and their decision making isn't as thoughtful as it should be.

"Bridges and alcohol are a bad mix. One simple bad decision can result in a lifetime of repercussions. It's going to be more of a problem as the hot weather comes. When the sun is out people flock to Lechlade.

"There is also the problem with seasonal variations, as we've seen in Oxford.

"While it may be reasonably safe to jump one month the next could mean you end up in a wheelchair.

"The bottom line is if you can't see what's at the bottom you don't know what you jumping on to, so don't do it."

Lechlade Mayor Mike Cawsey, who also drives the Cotswold Canal Trust boat which runs trips along the River Thames every half hour, says that many of those jumping in are young day-trippers from Swindon.

"The dangers are to the people in the boats," he said. "The kids see it as a game to bomb the boats and get the people wet, but it's not safe.

"There were signs either side of the bridge prohibiting swimming but I know one of those has gone. Invariably it is people visiting from Swindon who are responsible."

Yesterday Lechlade was packed with people making the most of the bank holiday sunshine but no one was taking the plunge.

Colleen Marvell, 55, from Moredon, said: "We come here to walk the dog sometimes and we've seen them jumping in.

"We've even seen people filling up dinghies with water and pouring it on people in boats below."

And husband Tony, 62, said: "They've being doing it for years. You always see them at this time of year when it's nice. I wouldn't do it even if you paid me."

And Beryl Johnson, visiting for the day from Swindon, said: "It's usually students. They're normally here every bank holiday.

"They've always done it but they could kill themselves, they should be stopped."

Gareth Bethell