Durham river safety plans unveiled after deaths of three young people

New safety plans for the riverside in Durham have been unveiled today. Credit: PA

Plans to improve river safety in Durham go on public display today following the deaths of three young people in 15 months.

The charity RoSPA made a number of recommendations which are now being put in place.

The works include replacing or extending barriers, installing more lighting and providing better rescue equipment.

A display board showing the planned improvements will be up next to the Gala Theatre in the city's Millennium Place. The work, which will cost around £230,000, is due to start early next month.

The plans are being put in place by Duham's City Safety Group, which is made up of Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, Durham University, Durham Students' Union and Durham Cathedral.

Railings will be put up at several riverside locations and bridges close to where the body of 19-year-old law student Euan Coulthard was found inJanuary.

He was the third young person to drown since October 2013, following the deaths of Sope Peters and Luke Pearce.

Railings will also be installed under Elvet Bridge, near where two students were rescued from from the river in March, and Baths Bridge, a short distance upstream.

The costs will be split equally between Durham County Council, DurhamUniversity and Durham Cathedral, a major riverside landowner.

The City Safety Group has decided not to fence off the river completely. The Group's Chair, Terry Collins, said that would not be "proportionate". He also stressed the role of "personal responsibility" in tackling the problem in future.