People venturing out of doors as the lockdown restrictions are eased are being urged to beware of hazards that exist in the countryside around Dumbarton and the Vale.

The warning comes after a youth had to be rescued by emergency services from a gorge near Millburn Road in Alexandria.

In the dramatic incident, on May 28, teams from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service used ropes to haul the young male from the gorge where he had become trapped.

The rescue prompted Councillor Jim Bollan to issue a warning to people keen to get out and about as the coronavirus restrictions are eased.

He said: “I would urge people to take care in and around the local hills if they venture a bit further than they normally would.

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“There are deep ravines and old quarries dotted around where dangers lurk, so please take extra care.”

His concerns were echoed by Jack Fordy, chairman of Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council, who said freedom in the outdoors should not be at the expense of safety.

Mr Fordy added: “Now that the strict controls have been eased to give us a little more freedom, parents and children are rightly taking advantage of the recent warm and sunny weather to enjoy going further than the end of the garden.

“The recent incident involving the rescue services reminds us that children are naturally adventurous.

“Most young people recognise that a balance is needed between risks and fun, and you can’t make everything safe.”

Mr Fordy said there was good evidence that taking risks could have positive implications in terms of children’s social and emotional needs, as well as their overall health.

He added: “It is important that the opportunities for children to manage their own risks take place in a controlled environment, so that they will learn vital life skills needed for adulthood, and safely gain the judgement needed in an unpredictable world.

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“We need to remember that there are some risks and hazards that are difficult or impossible for children to assess for themselves.

“These might include sharp edges or points on equipment, weak structures that may collapse, and surfaces that may be unexpectedly slippery or fragile.

“In the present crisis, it is best that we all try to avoid putting additional pressure on the emergency services. The virus has not gone away.”

The rescued youth was taken to hospital but no information was available on any injury suffered.