After a series of untimely deaths in our river the Council commissioned a report to investigate how safety and preventative measures could make our river safer. The river stretch next to the Welsh Bridge, and Castle Walk down past the Weir were marked as two sites of concern. From 2015-2022, in the river stretch past Underdale, six rescues were conducted and unfortunately four people lost their lives.

The report carried out by WSP recommended a number of changes including; installation of CCTV on currently unmonitored parts of the river, a review of lighting along the river to
make sure it is of sufficient brightness, repair and maintenance of grab chains and the addition of ladders for access out of the water. I have contacted the newly formed Safety Action Water Group to see what progress is being made.