Durham University 'committed to taking action' on river safety

Durham University’s senior management have released a statement saying that are "treating the matters of student safety and excessive alcohol consumption with the utmost seriousness."

Their comments came as a meeting took place in Durham to discuss how to make the river safer.

Agencies involved in river safety attended to look at a plan put forward by Durham County Council, following the death of student Euan Coulthard, who drowned in the river Wear last month.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Ray Hudson said: "We are committed to taking action but we recognise that these are issues which can only be addressed through a multi-agency approach. Addressing the alcohol culture which has developed in our society as a whole will involve a major shift in attitudes."

The University and Durham Students’ Union say they are working with their partners in the City Safety Group on a range of actions, which include:

· Developing a night time scheme supported by student volunteers to work alongside community safety volunteer groups

· Building on existing work to inform and educate students about staying safe and their personal wellbeing

· Establishing a new arrangement with identified taxi operators in the city whereby at risk students are given a safe method of getting home

Durham Students’ Union is also about to launch a £50k campaign, funded by Durham County Council, focused on promoting positive behaviours when drinking alcohol.

The University say they are already carrying out a range of actions targeting excessive alcohol consumption, including a minimum pricing policy in college bars.