THE COMPANY that runs the Cotswold Country Park and Beach is to be prosecuted for health and safety failings following the death of a 15-year-old schoolgirl in 2010.

Kajil Devi, of Feltham, Middlesex, drowned as she visited the attraction with her family.

Cotswold District Council announced this afternoon that "there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute WM Active Ltd for non-compliance with health and safety legislation".

In a statement the authority said: "Since the tragic drowning of Kajil Devi on 11 July 2010, Cotswold District Council has undertaken substantial investigations into the health and safety operations and procedures at the open water leisure facility, Cotswold Country Park and Beach, Shorncote, Gloucestershire, which is operated by WM Active Ltd.

"After significant examination of the facts, Cotswold District Council has concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute WM Active Ltd for non-compliance with health and safety legislation "Cotswold District Council has therefore requested Gloucestershire Magistrates Court to issue a summons.

"As this is a criminal prosecution, Cotswold District Council will not be able to provide any further information until after the conclusion of the legal proceedings."

Kajil, who could not swim, was playing in the water with three of her cousins when she slipped under the surface.

They were playing with an inflatable dingy at the time and did not notice her disappear.

She was missing for about 20 minutes and her cousins were not clear whether she was still in the water or had gone to the toilet on the beach.

 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

A search was started by her family members before she was found under the water by holidaymaker, Nathan Stroud who pulled her lifeless body onto the beach.

Lifeguards and bystanders tried to resuscitate her, before paramedics arrived and took over.

She was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead the following day.