JAFFER Javid's uncle has lent his full support to the BEN's campaign.

Nisar Ishaq is determined his nephew's fate will not befall another child, bringing life-long heartbreak to his family and loved ones.

And he wants Bolton Council to gain full power in tackling firms over any alleged water "death traps."

When told of the newspaper's campaign, he said: "It's excellent news.

"The lodge in which my nephew died was a very hazardous area and the firm which owns it should be ashamed.

"The quicker these things are dealt with the better because I fear that if they are left untouched, a similar incident will happen in years to come.

"I'm glad the council is behind a push to make these areas safe and maybe something positive will come out of all of this."

Firms with disused lodges on their land are being urged to take a lead out of the books of the leading water authorities.

Companies such as North West Water place warning signs around their reservoirs, have trained staff on hand, control any hazards, and have fences and lifesaving equipment in the right places.

Lodges, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, have no such provision and contain many hidden dangers.

A spokesman said: "Children do not understand the problems with going near lodges.

"They are used to warm swimming pools, yet these lakes and ponds are very cold, are often very deep and contain all sorts of debris which can prove to be very real health hazards."

RoSPA is in favour of filling in the lodges. The spokesman explained: "Fences aren't always a deterrent and can make rescuing people trapped in a lodge much more difficult.

"We also want to see more education on the dangers of water."

Like Mr Ishaq and RoSPA, Cllr Bob Howarth, leader of Bolton Council, also welcomed the BEN's campaign and expressed hope that legislation could be brought in to give the local authority powers over spots which are deemed dangerous.

He said: "We do not have the powers at present to force landowners to fence off dangerous ponds and lodges, but if we were to gain those then they would be wholeheartedly welcomed.

"But if a lodge is obviously serving no purpose then to remove the danger completely the ideal response would be to see it filled in.

"Jaffer's death was a terrible tragedy and steps were already being taken to encourage schools to teach pupils the dangers of water this coming term.

"A campaign by yourselves, the Council and the Government to make these areas safe would be a definite step in the right direction."

Jaffer was unable to swim and this, in turn, has highlighted another growing concern.

School swimming lessons have become more rare and Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South East, is calling for compulsory teaching from an early age.

He said: "My sympathies go out to Jaffer's family and it highlights a need for something to be done.

"I can see a number of measures. Children should be taught how to swim from a very early age at school. And if lodges are not required by firms then I think they should think very seriously about filling them in."

Elaine Taylor, manager of Swimsmart, on St Helens Road, Daubhill, agreed. She teaches children to swim from the age of three and said the younger people start learning to swim the safer they will be from an early age.

She said: "Teaching children to swim at a very young age is essential."