DANGEROUS and decaying fencing around a Farnworth reservoir will put the lives of pupils at one of Bolton's newest schools at risk, it was claimed today.

The new £2.5 million Queensbridge Primary School is set to open its doors in April in St Germain Street, yards from Dixon Green Reservoir.

Bob Fearnhead, secretary of Farnworth and District Angling Association, claims fencing around 7ft deep reservoir has been left to rot due to years of under-investment.

He has called for a full safety review and claims pupils will face grave danger unless the fencing is repaired.

Mr Fearnhead said: "I want to see something happen before pupils start at the school. In my opinion, the fencing is an accident waiting to happen.

"You can just walk straight into the water if you are not careful and a child could fall in and drown.

"The council did get someone down to inspect the site but they have now said there is no money available although they do want it to be done."

The old fencing is believed to be owned by Bolton Council although the reservoir site is owned by Peel Estates Ltd, based at the Trafford Centre, Manchester. Anglers claim they have been telling council chiefs of the problem since 1993. At one point, the edge of the reservoir is just 10 yards away from the school site. Mr Fearnhead added: "My concern is purely from a safety point of view."

Work to build Queensbridge Primary School began in June 2003. It is set to be fully operational by March and could be unveiled to pupils and parents after the two-week Easter Holiday break in April.

The new school - which includes seven classrooms, a library and a computer room - will bring together pupils from Bridgewater Nursery and Queen Street Primary School following their amalgamation.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "We are looking into the situation."