Middleton-in-Teesdale outdoor centre 'duped' by 'irresponsible' BBC show

AN upper dale outdoor enthusiast has branded the BBC as “irresponsible” after showing what he claims was misleading footage during a primetime TV slot.
Rob Atkinson, of the Kingsway Adventure Centre, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, was approached by BBC Countryfile to take part in filming on the River Tees at Low Force last month.
Mr Atkinson said he agreed to get involved on the understanding that there would be a strong emphasis on water safety during the feature  because of the lives that have been lost in the area in recent years.
However, when the programme was aired on April 23, producers had edited the footage and taken out a “highly critical” health and safety interview.
Mr Atkinson said: “In all of the initial conversations we had with them we said we had to be able to talk about water safety.
“I did a full interview talking to the camera about how dangerous the water can be and about what you need to be safe in the water.
“I also spoke about how unpredictable the water can be and how these activities can be incredibly dangerous unless you are with trained staff like us. They basically just showed me saying what the waterfall was called. We have definitely been duped.”
During a four-minute slot, Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison was shown white water swimming, riding the rapids and then jumping off Low Force. Mr Atkinson said: “My main concern is how it portrays white water and jumping off waterfalls. There was no mention of the danger of it. I feel like it was twisted in a way that makes it more watchable.
“I am mortified that they have portrayed us like that.
“Even if I was watching it I would think it was irresponsible. The last thing I want is for people to think they can do that. I would not have signed anything off if I had known. It is irresponsible what they have done.”
Since the programme was aired, Mr Atkinson has received a number of complaints about the footage.
He said: “I’ve had all sorts of complaints from people asking how can you portray Low Force as a safe swimming place when people have died there? It was made abundantly clear that what they were filming had to include water safety. People are talking about it in a negative light and I want Countryfile to appreciate what they have done is wrong.” Mr Atkinson has made an official complaint to the BBC. For viewers opting to watch it online, water safety tips now appear alongside the episode.
Mr Atkinson said: “It bothers me that someone could have watched that then decide to go down there and they could die.
“Up until this everything has been really positive at the centre. Countryfile was the cherry on the top but it has proved to be a bitter pill and we would never have done it if we had known.”
A BBC spokesman said: “It was clear in the film that it was carried out under the supervision of specialised instructors and with full safety equipment.
“Countryfile regularly highlights safety precautions when broadcasting items of this nature and on this occasion we should have done so. There is a clear warning on the Countryfile website and any subsequent broadcasts will also clearly address this.”