A SAFETY warning has been issued for people about the dangers of stepping into an empty Greenock dam.

Water levels at the Cowdenknowes Reservoir, better known as Murdieston Dam, are much lower than normal after it was recently drained to allow for essential safety checks and repairs.

It has left a muddy area at the bottom of the dam more exposed, which poses a serious safety risk for people and their pets becoming stuck as the area is well used by dog walkers.

Inverclyde Council, which is responsible for the reservoir, has issued a plea for visitors not to step onto the mud.

Councillor Jim Clocherty said: “Reservoirs are just as dangerous places when empty as they are when full and I would urge the public to take care and not walk or allow their dogs to walk in the reservoir as there area will be soft and muddy.

“Until as such times as the levels return to normal safety signs have been put up advising of these dangers.

“There’s also the added risk of ice at the moment due to the cold snap we’re experiencing so please be careful when out and about.”

The council has a statutory duty to open and close the dam valve to make sure it is operational in case there is ever an emergency.

The Tele recently reported how this was carried out, with a fault discovered during the process meaning that repairs were required.

The water level had to drop sufficiently to allow work to take place.

The is now filling naturally, which takes time.

Chief Inspector Paul Cameron, Inverclyde area commander, said: “Officers have been made aware of persons entering Murdieston Dam and recently specialist crews were called to lead a person and their dog to safety.

“Deep mud can be a serious hazard and I ask that people and their animals stick to the designated paths.

“Whilst some people think it might be tempting to enter the dam area you can never be sure of the risks.”