River Wear safety report: immediate action needed

A report into river safety in Durham after the deaths of three students says immediate action is needed on part of a river path that's been designated as 'high risk'.

The charity The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) has made a number of recommendations after it inspected the riverbank at different times during a number of days and nights last month.

It suggests additional lighting should be put up, pathways could be improved in a number of places, fencing should be placed in some areas and public safety equipment along the River Wear should be upgraded.

The report for Durham County Council was commissioned after a number of other measures were put in place to stop people who've been drinking heavily, getting close to the river.

In just two years three students Sope Peters, Luke Pearce and Euan Coulthard after falling into the Wear during a night out.

Today (April 15) ROSPA delivered its report and says the Durham City Safety Group should spend on a programme to make the river banks safer.

That group says it needs time to consider the report's findings.

ROSPA says it is concerned about erosion and sudden changes in lighting and it has designated some areas as high risk, particularly the stretch between Framwellgate Bridge and the Wear.

It says immediate action is required on the pathways.

Fencing could also be an option.

But fencing is controversial. Many who live here want to protect Durham City's heritage and say students should take more responsibility for their actions.

A volunteer programme is in place where students are trained to look after their peers.

Durham council is working with bars to make sure people get home safely.