A COCKERMOUTH councillor has spoken out about the dangers of teenagers congregating by the river after a girl had to be pulled from the river.

Councillor Grace Bennion highlighted the problem at a town council meeting.

"There have been some incidents under the railway bridge," she said.

"One of the residents is very concerned about the safety of those individuals socialising there. He sees bare back sides frequently."

She asked PCSO Clare Parker: "Is anyone going to the schools to talk about keeping themselves safe and not exposing themselves?"

Police and the town's mountain rescue team were called last month following a report that a teenage girl had been pulled from the River Cocker by her friends.

The mountain rescue team transferred her to an ambulance.

Councillor Bennion said: "If there's young people congregating in a dangerous place all manner of things can take place.

"I don't want young people to be blighted but we need people to be aware of the dangers, there may be circumstances they cannot foresee."

Inspector Rachel Gale said: “We have already increased patrols to this part of the town.

“There will also be some education work carried out to explain the effects that anti-social behaviour can have on communities.

“As part of this work, PCSO Clare Parker has organised dates to go into Cockermouth School to speak to pupils.

“This will include warning children of the dangers of playing in and around rivers.”

Councillor Bennion said: "The police making youngsters aware is a good start.

"People need to be vigilant and let the police know if there are things going on.

"Parents need to talk to their children about the dangers of mucking about on steep banking by a fast flowing river."