Contractor Graham, currently building the Congleton link road, is appealing to families to make sure their children stay away from the site to prevent accidents.

With the health service under huge pressure, Cheshire East Council is urging all parents – and their children – to stay safe and not put themselves at risk.

As schools have closed down and with some construction sites across the borough quieter than normal, children should not be tempted to use them as play areas.

Councillor Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for infrastructure, said: "In the present health emergency, we need to do all we can to avoid adding to the pressures placed on our doctors and nurses in our accident and emergency departments.

"We are appealing to parents to make sure their children are safe and not putting themselves at risk by straying on to construction sites."

Alastair Lewis, contract manager for Graham, said: "Some young people may be drawn to these sites as exciting places to play but they are not and we would urge them to stay away and stay safe.

"Construction sites, such as the Congleton Link Road, contain heavy machinery, uneven ground and many hazards – so please stay away."

Cllr Browne added: "There are a number of construction sites – both council and private – across the borough and it is an offence for anyone to enter them without authorisation.

"We would not want to see children killed or seriously injured during what is already an extremely challenging period for us all, especially the emergency services."

Accidents on construction sites can some times be fatal or result in serious life-changing injuries and children should not let their curiosity lead them into danger.