Dangerous areas at Chadwick Lakes, such as sharp drops, should be made safer by installing low fencing that would blend into the environment, according to families spending some leisure time there yesterday.

“I’ve been coming here for years and I always thought there should be some form of railing along the edge. Lots of children come here,” Maria Galea said as her 11-year-old daughter, Nicole, nodded in agreement.

“Sometimes I think it could be dangerous and I could fall,” Nicole said shyly, adding she had heard the story of the seven-year-old boy who fell and was hurt badly last week.

Luke Micallef suffered serious head injuries after falling headfirst onto a pile of rocks five metres below when he was frightened by a Chihuahua.

His father, Robert, believes a low fence could have avoided the accident and called for the fencing of the dangerous spot to ensure other children did not get hurt.

Mr Micallef is not alone in thinking the area could be made safer. Joseph and Jeanette Gravina, who yesterday were enjoying the countryside with their two daughters aged three and seven, share his views.

“What worries us mostly in terms of safety is the narrow road where cars drive in both directions. Sometimes, there is hardly anywhere to go when a car passes. Due to the narrowness, installing fences might be a problem. So perhaps they could be installed in those dangerous areas at least,” the Gravinas said.

They also suggested having an area, in the centre of Chadwick Lakes, which was closed off to cars to help put parents’ minds at rest.

Lilian Polidano, accompanying her 10-year-old son, agreed with the idea of fencing the dangerous areas. “There are some parts that are rocky and quite high. I can’t see why they cannot be fenced with a low railing perhaps,” she said.

However, a 57-year-old woman said she believed Luke’s accident had been an unfortunate accident and the solution was not to fence up all the island.

Disagreeing with her, a 27-year-old man said: “I agree 100 per cent there should be some form of rail or fence, ideally of wood or natural material,” he said while walking his pet, a German Shepherd just like Luke’s.

As a dog owner, he added, he always made sure to keep his dog close to him, especially when there were children around.