River Safety Improvements In Durham

Less than a week after the body of Euan Coulthard was recovered from the River Wear, the City Safety Group have answered calls to make improvements to safety in Durham.

The 19-year-old disappeared following a night out in the city earlier this month, sparking a petition by students to improve safety around the riverside.

Following a meeting between representatives from Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, Durham University, the Students Union and Durham Cathedral, an independent review by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has been decided.

A number of other actions were also agreed;

○ Durham University and the Students’ Union will further develop their existing work to inform and educate students about staying safe and their personal wellbeing.

○ An enhanced education process involving licensed premises in the city to ensure alcohol is supplied in a safe and sensible way and that proper guardianship practices are in place when any lone customers are viewed as vulnerable will be introduced.

○ Drivers’ recruitment campaign to be launched to support the Students’ Union in re-establishing their night-time bus.

○ Development of a new arrangement between the University and identified taxi operators in the city whereby at-risk students are given a safe method of getting home.

○ Explore measures to tackle the availability of cheap alcohol, alcohol offers and to explore the value of steps to monitor alcohol in instances where personal safety may be an issue.

These measures are going to be put in place as quickly as possible in addition to the following changes which will happen immediately;

○ A high visibility welfare unit to provide a safe haven when appropriate.

○ New kit and radios, where necessary, to join up communications and support patrols by existing community safety volunteer groups across the city.

○ The development of a night-time scheme supported by student volunteers to work alongside Durham Street Lights

Another meeting is going to be held in the next two weeks.