BEMUSED gym users and dog walkers are being instructed to “stay alert” and evacuate to high ground in the event of a tsunami-like flood at one Hereford park.

A warning sign – which would look more at home on the beachfronts of the Indian Ocean – has brought smiles to the locals of Moor Farm, who have rarely seen the site get more than ankle-deep in floodwater.

Set up alongside the outdoor gym installed last month by Herefordshire Housing, the sign – which warns gym users to “BE READY TO EVACUATE” – was a condition put in place by the Environment Agency.

Without it, the group wouldn’t have been granted permission to build the gym, said Herefordshire Housing’s Sam Baker.

“We wanted to build something for the local community,” she said.

“But because the area is in flood zone two and three, the council told us we would have to do a full flood risk assessment.”

As part of that assessment, Herefordshire Housing were told by the EA that they would have to include a notice making “users aware of the risk to the site in a flood event and how they can safely leave the area.”

Local resident John Watkins, 81, laughed at the idea of gym users working out while flood water rose around them.

“Perhaps they should bring their wellies,” he said.

“I’ve lived just across from the park for 12 years and I’ve only ever seen that part of the park flood two or three times – and then just a little bit.

"And even if it did, you'd use your common sense and go inside."

The park borders the small Yazor Brook, which has been subject to extensive flood alleviation work over the last two years, but is still classified as a flood zone.

The "threat" of flash floods has not kept the crowds away from the new facility, which has machines for all ages and abilities, and features set-ups specially designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

During the summer holidays, Mr Watkins said the gym was packed with schoolchildren trying out the new kit.