Deaths spark call for River Severn safety measures
Tuesday 17th August 2010, 4:00PM BST.
NEW MEASURES could soon be brought in to prevent more lives being lost in Shrewsbury’s River Severn following the latest tragedy in the town.
Thanks for all your comments on this issue – the discussion is now closedc
Shropshire Council asked consultants to carry out a risk assessment of the town’s river earlier this year following the deaths of Christopher Wall, 21, and Hayden Reynolds-Evans, 18, in separate incidents.
The report has been completed and leaders are now considering its findings.
But pressure is growing for the council to take immediate action after the body of 24-year-old Joshua Wreford was found in the river on Friday.
Friends of Joshua have left messages on a Facebook site set up in memory of the father-of-one demanding that the council improves safety along the river.
Barriers
In one post Bex Beckaroo Jones says: “Another young life lost to the river. When are they going to learn and put safety measures up.
“They can spend lots of money on a stupid sculpture that has no benefit but not to put barriers around the river.”
In another message, Zowie Harrison also criticised the council’s priorities.
She says: “Instead of spending money on silly statues they should put railings and a gate up.”
And their calls for action were today echoed by Tanya Williams, the aunt of Hayden Reynolds-Evans.
The teenager, of Claverley Road, had been missing for just under six weeks before his body was found in the river at Frankwell in March.
Ms Williams today said: “We said this at the time and it’s just seemed so easy for this kind of accident to happen but obviously nothing was done.
“How many deaths have got to happen before they will listen?”
Gareth Proffitt, spokesman for Shropshire Council, said the authority was currently considering the consultants’ report.
He said: “Earlier this year Shropshire Council asked consultants to carry out a risk assessment of the River Severn in Shrewsbury and the consultants have now completed their report.
“We will now be considering the report and its recommendations and we will then develop an action plan, as appropriate, to deal with any issues raised.”
By Russell Roberts
Most Commented
- Clampdown on Shrewsbury chuggers
- Bishop's gay marriage views do nothing to support bible teachings
- Planners ordered to stay on Newport visit bus
- Letter: Angered by close encounter of the furred kind
- Letter: Alcohol price plans annoy me
- Shrewsbury’s broadband speed one of slowest in UK
- Letter: No sense in overseas job adverts
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
Firstly its very sad that so many people have died lately in the river and my sypathies go to the families.
However how are you exactly able to make a river safe other than drain it? Its a very knee jerk reaction, when the solution is that people should really take more care. Afterall it has been there for thousands of years.
Report abuse
Having lost a friend in simialr circumstances it is too little too late !!!!
Report abuse
Typical health and safety obsessed people over reacting.
Report abuse
wonder if you would feel the same if it were your child who just fell in and never came home!
Report abuse
Totally agree with you Kelly. What’s to over react about? Someone has died!!
Report abuse
Obsessed? I’d say it was more like a necessity. How many more deaths constitute counter-measures from falling in, being put in place? Or is it okay for one more person to drown as we’re being hysteric?
Report abuse
I agree action does need to be taken there should be railings all along the river to prevent this sort of incident happening. it is all too easy for a small child or person on a bike to just topple in to the river during the day. at night the danger is ten fold. However i do aknowledge that it is also the publics responsibilty to be more careful. It would help if the walk ways were adequetly fenced. my heart goes out the family of all the people lost in this way. x
Report abuse
Same goes for roads. What would you have done with them? Where does this all end?
Report abuse
What is your actual problem with the suggestion to fences on the more dangerous parts of the river?
Its not likly that 6ft oppressive fencing is going to be installed.
I do feel that a simple 3 rung, 4ft high guard as is installed in some locations along the river would help stop or at least reduce incidents of this nature happening.
As to your comment regarding roads, most are very well lit, I cannot say the same about areas of the river.
Report abuse
What exactly are railings going to do? If your drunk and want to go for a swim, a railing isnt going to stop you, and climbing the railing makes it more likely you will fall in.
Typical over reaction.
Report abuse
As much as I understand people’s reactions to the deaths that have occurred because of the river. Infact, I knew Christopher Wall who died last year….
The main problem in Shrewsbury (and no doubt elsewhere around the country) is that far too many people are walking home, down dangerous pathways/shortcuts, alone!
We need to ensure that all people out on the town have a friend to walk home with, or a taxi arranged. Perhaps taxi services could create a pre-pay system/card? – so there’s no worry at the end of the night because you haven’t got cash for a taxi – as you’ll already have money topped on your “taxi card”
Report abuse
Pete, Draining the river? Little far-fetched isn’t it?
All we’re asking for is increased CCTV in areas like the Victoria Quay, Near the Weir and the pavement between the English Bridge and St. Mary’s Water Lane.
Also, fences like there already are along some of the river already!
I don’t understand your opposition for this? We all have to admit that people may climb over these fences, but we just want stop people from falling in! Not so much to ask at all!
Report abuse
I’ve lived in Shrewsbury all my life and have walked by the river god knows how many times, both sober and increadably drunk and have never managed to fall in, as do thousands upon thousands of people every day.
Why is fencing off the river even a solution? its ridiculous and unworkable.
Report abuse
yes Pete, but the fact is, a number of people have fallen in the river, and as a consequence have died. Do we just say tough,or would it make more sense to put the tax payers money finally to good use and hopefully prevent further tragedies from happening?
Report abuse
Tell that to the other residents of Shrewsbury that have walked along there many times, bother sober and drunk, but lost their footing and fell in! Ergo, fences are needed!
It is not ridiculous in the slightest! If the council did not see it as a problem, there would be no fences a long that river at all! I think your point is invalid as the argument you are trying to raise is nonsensical and absurd.
Report abuse
yes Pete, you havn’t fallen in, but as recent events prove, people do fall in the river, and as a consequence they have lost their lives. And what do you say to the upset families of these people ‘never mind eh? lets just waste the taxpayers money on a big stone arch that serves no purpose but it looks pretty’ or would it make sense to put the taxpayers money to good use and erect the railings/fences in accident blackspots where people are likely to venture close to the waters edge? And yes Pete, the same goes for roads, where there is a particularly dangerous crossing or junction where there are commonly accidents, isnt there railings already in place and cameras currently in place?
Report abuse
the bit that makes me laugh though ben is than me and ryan were walking by the english bridge the other day and they have a sign there saying cctv controlled area.
Report abuse
sorry but there is clearly going to be an over reaction here. putting railings in is not the answer, common sense is.
I do have sympathy for the deceased here.
we need to stop hyping this up now and wake up, its a river, it will always be there and will always cause problems. wasting money on stopping access to it is not the answer, educating people and hoping their common sense will prevail is the answer.
i’m sorry but this is a typical over-ruled council response to something that is not a problem at all.
Report abuse
Common sense does attribute to some of the solution, however, I feel that fences will stop people that are drunk from FALLING in. They obviously cannot stop someone who is going to climb them.
Report abuse
This is not an over reacton at all, something should have been done years ago to stop this from happening, too many people have died in the river because proper fencing isn’t in place. It won’t stop people climbing over it but in my mind if they are going to do that then its their own fault if something happens to them. I know a lot of people think that this may be a waste of money but if something wasn’t done and someone close to you died because of this i bet you’d change your tune!
If this whole thing is about money then i think you should all look at whats important, the safety of the residents of Shrewsbury, or stupid monuments such as Darwins gate and Millenium arch which cost the council over £400,000 to build, Now that is a waste of time and money!!
Report abuse
its not about money its about over reaction from peole like yourself. i know lets all write to david cameron and get him to put a fence around every single river in the UK, good idea?
no i din’t think so either…
Report abuse
we’re not askin for it to be put all around the river just the places that are most dangerous! Why isn’t it a good idea, you come on here with a comment like that and can’t even defend it with a reason. If you haven’t got anything constructive to say then don’t even comment!
Report abuse
CCTV in operation or regular police patrols will help in the short term but fencing is required in the long term, prevention of this happening again as the tragic loss of loved ones and friends can’t keep happening.
RIP Josh
Report abuse
Roads are dangerous too, people can fall into roads and die just as easily and there is a lot more roads in Shrewsbury than there is river. Do we fence these off too?
There is absolutely no logic to fencing the river off. Yes 3 people have tragically died in the river, but how many have been seriously injured and killed on roads?
Please, lets just put this all in perspective.
Report abuse
speed camera’s, raised humps, pedestrian crossings, speed limits….. all help with roads, shall we tell the river current to slow down so that people dont get dragged down…?? we know there is no cure to the river problem but we should fight for precaution.
Report abuse
Firstly my sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased.
Talk of fences around the river are a knee jerk reaction and completely over the top. What next, compulsory orange life jackets and immersion suits for anyone who wants to walk on the towpath?
Agree with Phil, education and common sense is the answer.
Report abuse
We’re not asking for a six foot fence, we are asking certain area’s that are known to be more dangerous to be considered for railings and fences. Yes there is a certain aspect of Health and Safety here, but its not unreasonable or obsessive. As for people remarking about roads, my Grandad feel in a road some years ago, cars have breaks and you can get up and off the road alot easier than pulling yourself up a river bank where the current is strong and not everyone can swim.
Report abuse
Why fence the River Severn off only in Shrewsbury? What about Bridgnorth? Ironbridge? In fact… why not fence the entire river? It’s only 220 miles long, so that’d be some 440 miles of fencing, for both sides.
There used to be a river through Birmingham. It is the River Rea and it is now in a culvert and in part a tunnel. Might this not be a suitable option for the River Severn? Or the Severn loop could be filled in and the River Severn made to bypass Shrewsbury.
Report abuse
The loss of life is no doubt awful, however people need to accept responsibility for their own actions.
Rivers have and will always be a danger.
Report abuse
Seriously there as been 3 lives taken, and I knew the Family of 1 and the Fiance of the other !!! All people are asking and saying is that a Fence around the river would be a good idea.
And from reading what I have read ‘people also have different opinions’ So the answer really is ‘UNTIL YOU YOURSELF LOSE SOMEONE CLOSE THEN YOU OR MYSELF WILL NEVER KNOW HOW IT FEELS’ yes your entitled to your opinions but have some Respect and sit there and actually think of those that are suffering the loss of there Brother, Father, Fiance/Boyfriend, Good Friend !!!
My Opinion is something should of been done a long time ago and now that something can be done, I think it should well do before it really is to late and more accidents occur . . .
RIP ALL . . .
Report abuse
The United Kingdom is surrounded with water and there are many rivers and waterways.
How do you stop drink related drownings. Close down all the pubs in Shrewsbury would be a start. That isn’t going to happen.
CTV’s and all the other modern (mamby pamby) gadgets isn’t going to stop people falling in.
Sorry face reality the river is always going to be there with it’s inherant dangers. Live with it or move to a desert
Report abuse
“Why is fencing off the river even a solution? its ridiculous and unworkable.”
Well let me explain a little of the science of “Fences” to you.
Imagine there was a place you wanted to get to by walking and there was nothing to stop you getting there. In this case it is almost certain that you would reach your intended destination. But what if there was a “Fence” in the way?
Well a Fence is sort of barrier that will stop you, it’s kind of like a wall in that respect. The only way for you now to get to your destination is to deliberately climb over the fence.
This is how the fence idea along the river would stop people accidentally falling in. You see how that works?
Report abuse
Eh? What’s your point because you haven’t stated it?
Report abuse
But Billy, what if people climb the fence?
Build a taller fence!
What if they are so drunk they take that as a challenge?
Well, how about some razor wire to stop them?
How about educating people about the dangers of rivers or of other pieces of open water?
Report abuse
well said billy, spot on.
Report abuse
Re Billy’s fencins supplies – your analogy is ridiculous. Are you saying the people who have tragically drowned wanted to get to the other side of the river, so they tried to walk across the river and therefore you need fences to stop them?
I have never accidentally fallen in a river, or the sea for that matter. You cannot remove all risks out of life, unless you want to stay in bed all day. yes, make sensible precautions, but i don’t not want to see railings all along the river in case somone wants to walk across it.
Report abuse
we,re not saying put fences up around the whole river all we want is fences around the parts that are most dangerous like the walk way that goes from the english bridge to castlefields and so on.
Report abuse
there is no most dangerous part though is there. like everyone else says, its all about common sense, there is more chance of being hit by a meteor than falling in the river at the so called dangerous parts…
Report abuse
That is the most stupid thing anyone can say!! You are an idiot, you just want someone to have a go at. Well its very small of you! Just remeber someone died a few days ago have some respect will you!!!
Report abuse
lol, I totally aggree with the council placing fences, I like your very simple method of explanation for how it will work, very nicly done.
In relation to other comments on here; there are alot of people in this town who knew or know family of the most recent people who have died, perhaps a little respect for them might be needed. By making comments that cheapen the lives of their lost relatives and friends you are simply being rude and failing to take into account that the next time it might be someone close to you.
I really hope no further incidents occur, but just think next time it might be you wishing some action had been taken, even if only in the simple form of a fence being installed.
If it can help to save one life and prevent further family’s mourning surely the effort is worth making.
Report abuse
Maybe the answer is pop a few posters up in the pubs as people are leaving, reiterating the dangers of walking home by the river? or reminding people to get a taxi back and having a free phone located by the door for people to ring for one?
Report abuse
It’s out of the question to fence off the River. What a ridiculous over reaction. Roads kill hundreds every year, shall we fence off every pavement too? Heart disease kills thousands, shall we fence off every fast food restaurant? Alcohol also kills thousands, let’s fence off the pubs too shall we?
We live in a world full of risk where sometimes accidents happen and we have to accept it. It’s about calculated risk. Whilst its always tragic when somebody dies in an accident, you have to be careful not to knee jerk react. We could spend thousands in fencing for the river, ruining the appearance and congratulate ourselves for being nice and safe, but will that stop anyone getting to the river of they want to? What happens if someone falls into the river upstream and the emergency services are hampered in rescuing them by an enormous expanse of fence? What about fishing spots? What about the wildlife inevitably disturbed by erecting fencing?
Report abuse
I think people are a little more important than wildlife don’t you???
Like i said before if money is the problem then maybe we should stop building stupid monuments that cost this town the earth. And how would it stop the emergency services from helping people we don’t want a six foot fence just a small one that we already have in place at some points! O yea and have some respect will you people have just lost a loved one where’s the sympathy?
Report abuse
What good would CCTV be? It means that you either have to light the river bank ( how much is that going to cost to waterproof them for when it floods) or you get infra-red operated cameras, then you’ve got to pay someone 24/7 to monitor them, then where do you start and where do you stop the fencing our CCTV, West Mids Showground down to Pimley Manor, what about the people that walk their dogs down to Atcham, are they not worth considering? The answer? Person responsibility,rivers are dangerous stay clear of them.
Report abuse
i think there should be railings put up all across the river like they have done by the weir!not tall enough so we cant see it because the river is a beautiful site but when i take my daughter for a walk down there to feed the ducks or just for a nice walk im always on edge incase she slips and falls in so i would feel alot beeter if there was something there for safety to everyone!its about time the government spent money on something that will benefit everyone instead of a stupid statue that all is does is stand there what is the point in that!i have lost a close friend due to the river so i think it should get sorted as soon as possible!
Report abuse
Roads are dangerous. People can fall into roads and get killed just as easily.
3 people have died in the river this year, how many have died on the roads in this time? People need to take care and be aware of their surroundings and use common sense. We don’t need to have everything wrapped in cotton wool for us in case someone gets hurt because thats life.
Please lets get things in perspective. I know emotions are running high for a lot of people but this is just daft.
Report abuse
I agree with Billy! We’re not asking for something that will spoil the aesthetics of the town, just a simple fence that will stop people from falling in at specific places. I cannot see why people are arguing against this!
Report abuse
Can I ask Billy of fencing supplies fame, how do you propose to erect a fence that will take the force of a river in full flood, or do you put it in a place that would not be unduly effected by the flow? Could be interesting, that’s Frankwell car park out of action then unless we get a moveable fence, and then there’s the road/walkway through The Quarry, put a fence up and you can’t use it. And where exactly would this fence stretch to? There have been many who have fallen in the river from the footpath by the old RSI over the years, first bit of rain in Wales and Ironbridge gets a 600yds of freebie fencing.
Report abuse
On a road, when there have been more than a certain number of fatalities in one place it gets called an “accident black spot.” And measures get put in place to prevent any more accdents. But, like Hayley said,
“cars have brakes and you can get up and off the road alot easier than pulling yourself up a river bank where the current is strong” So why should a river be any different? The river Severn has many areas that have no fencing, making it very easy for someone to fall in; such as the stretch between the weir and the English bridge. But whether someone is drunk or sober, if a preventative measure is put in place then hopefully, it will reduce the risk of this happening again. what if next time it is a small child? This town has more interest in the place looking nice, rather than peoples safety. Common sense does not always prevail, as accidents DO happen. And unfortunately 3 people have lost their lives, I knew 2 of these 3 people. All we are trying to do is to prevent anyone else falling victim to the river. My heart goes out to Josh’s family, and I trully hope something is done so that, hopefully, no one else will have to go through what the families of these victims have gone through.
R.I.P xxx
Report abuse
i’m goig down the weir later on my dinghy….. try and put a fence there then?
come this is getting a bit ridiculous now, all people need is common sense we did not have this conversation 5 years ago or 10 years ago. like it or lump it we have a river and if people want to swim, play or jump in it then fine let them do it. ITS THEIR OWN COMMON SENSE AT THE END OF THE DAY.
Report abuse
swim play or jump…. my friend fell in!!! Its not just about being intoxicated it is general safety, for every generation. How many elderly people go down to the river for a walk, who may stumble and fall in at a place where there is no bank just a shear drop into the river.
Report abuse
most elderly people will avoid the edge out of COMMON SENSE (if you make it to 72 you must have some well tuned survival instincts)and if they do go near the edge (feeding the ducks maybe?) they do it by the railings.
Report abuse
errrr common sense, i think thats been mentioned a few times…
Report abuse
The deaths that have happened are tragic – no one can ever argue that.
There are stretches of the river that are regularly used that would benefit from fencing – mainly the tow path between the English Bridge and Castlefields where you do feel vulnerable walking at any time of day and I’ve regularly seen kids on bikes doing balancing acts along the edge of the path in the name of fun. HOWEVER people seem to be missing the fact that the 2 most recent accidents have happened in areas where the path is either already fenced or is separated from the river by a distance of river bank! Also a drunk person leaning on a railing to be sick at the end of a night out is surely more likely to topple in as a result of their actions?? People need to accept more responsibility and not just point the finger of blame. It’s a terrible tragedy – but it’s an accident at the end of the day.
Report abuse
Firstly my condolences to anyone who have lost a loved one.
However, if you’re going to get drunk, don’t go messing around by the river.
Why not ban all drinking in Shrewsbury? No more practical or impractical than fencing the river off.
Report abuse
Im sorry but the people saying its rediculous to fence it off are infact the rediculous ones, its people like you that work in the council that dont think its a problem, if there are some fenced areas off that are classed as dangerous then how come most of the river isnt fenced off? It is dangerous, theres hardly any lighting around the river and that itself could guide people the right way, i know of many places especially the walkway between the quarry and coleham that has no lights yet there are no barriers stopping people who cant see from falling in…so to all those saying that this can not be done, well it already has been, just not in EVERY area that matters. I personally think a lot of people need to see the dangers rather than saying it might spoil the scenery or cost too much because how does that ammount to all these lives being lost?
Report abuse
amy you can’t spell properly.
Report abuse
yes Phil that is the topic of the discussion, spelling. How very mature!
Report abuse
Sympathy to all those affected by these tragedies but fencing areas of the river is not the answer. We need to get to the route of the problem; how about launching an awareness campaign throughout the pubs and clubs of shrewsbury of the dangers of being near the river when you’ve had a drink? It may make people think twice and that by enough to save a life in the future.
Report abuse
Fence the river off, I suggest we start building a fence from the Welsh Bridge ,both sides of the river down to Atcham it would be a 10ft high barbwire fence fitted with sensors that warned people when they came to close, and watch towers every 100 yards this should comply with the ” Elf add safety ” rules.Ridiculous Yes. Take it further are we now going to put fences around all ponds lakes, canals, anything with water in it. If you go out to spend a night on the town you should take responsibility for yourself. Like Pete [6] I have walked along the river path many times under the influence and came to no harm. You have to feel sorry about the tragic loss of life, But also be sensible.
Report abuse
What a ridiculous reaction,the council calling in risk assessment!
Any sort of fencing or barrier would just be a costly eyesore & a total waste of money.
Report abuse
Just close the hazardous towpaths off at dusk. Problem solved and no contentious fencing discussion needed. Use the pavement or get a taxi.
Report abuse
At the end of the day the difference between a road and a river is that you cant drown in the road.
If there was a fence up by the river then the likely hood is that people whether Sober or Drunk would be less likely to fall in as there would be a barrier in the persons way.
A river has the power (albeit the power of nature) to kill. A road However has human beings that are in control on it, therefore as there is someone, hopefully with common sense as to not run someone over, around then they would be able to call of either an ambulance or the police in a situation of a person falling into the road.
The River hasnt got this ability and because of this the river is 10 fold more dangerous than any road could be.
FACT!
Report abuse
Well said Billy!!! I don’t understand what’s difficult here. We’re not asking for anything expensive or exciting, a simple barrier that would prevent someone from falling in if they tripped – be it sober or not. It’s not rocket science. And if you notice roads do have barriers at certain places like crossings etc where it can be more dangerous – so why not at certain areas of the river that are known to be more dangerous? If it saves lives then surely it has to be worth it. Lets hope those who are mocking it never lose someone they love in that river because i’m damn sure they’d change their mind then!!
Report abuse
The people who think that fencing off the river is a silly idea are not being insensitive. It is a horrible tragedy that this has happened.
But people in this town should be aware of the dangers of the river and take appropriate care.
Report abuse
like use your common sense?
Report abuse
We’re not asking for the whole river to be fenced off, that would be absurd and non-viable! We are clearly just asking for CERTAIN parts of the river to have a fence to prevent people from FALLING in. If people want to climb these fences, then there is nothing that can be done to stop them. We just want increased measures so that ACCIDENTS cannot happen.
And everyone that is complaining about the cost, were you this opposed when the council spent loads of money on statues and flowers? Or is just now that you decide to all chip in with your two pence worth?
Report abuse
I feel a lot of sympathy with people who have lost loved ones: all tragedies, my heart goes out to those affected.
But I do think railings by the river are the equivalent of putting a plaster on a broken arm.
If people are taking short cuts then they will always take short cuts, whether they have a small barrier or not.
Barriers would not be complete, and if you want to walk along the bank you’ll nip inside the barriers
We are not talking about little children in the Quarry park falling in (which you would expect if it was so dangerous), we are talking about adults so there must be some personal responsibility.
It strikes me that often in these cases it seems to be late at night and people have been drinking. Not in all cases, of course, but it is linked. Maybe we should put the barriers up outside the pubs instead to stop our younger people going in and that would make the river safer?
Seriously though: none of the ways of making the river “safer” would actually work with the types of situations where people get into difficulty with the river. not only that, but it penalises everyone who approaches the river in a safe fashion with unsightly barriers and railings. That is not the solution, otherwise every lake, pond, river, canal everywhere would need barriers.
Report abuse
…to determine exactly where the person fell in from meaning that large section of any fence could be entirely ineffective (not to mention expensive if the council’s history is anything to go by). Also why has everyone assumed that the reasons for these tragedies are alchohol, poor safety measures or bad judgement? is it not possible they were shocked or forced into the river? They were all reasonably sensible young men (I had met all three.) walking home alone late at night whilst intoxicated, a fairly easy target for a mugger (or simply a group of thugs looking for trouble)especially considering that young men are the most likely victims of violent crimes and also the most likely to object to/struggle against any aggressor, It is not hard to see how after such an altercation One could end up in the river.
Report abuse
I can not believe how many people are opposing the idea of fencing due to cost and asthetics. The Quantum Leap that was errected near the river cost tax payers £450,000, and is continuing to drain tax payers money as police are called out to stop people climbing it! Then there’s the other statues/monuments that the council has seen fit to waste our money on, the Millenium Arch and Darwins Gate, not to mention the £40,000 eyesore outside tesco.
Obviously people need to use their common sense when walking near any river, but with no lighting allong much of the walkway, what are we supposed to do? Avoid walking that way after dark? If so then will someone please tell me why I’m paying taxes to maintain public paths that I can’t actually use past 4:30pm in the winter?! Fences are not going to stop all accidents involving the river, nothing will, but they will certainly reduce the risk and make the area much more inviting. As it stands, those with children and the elderly avoid a lot of the river walkway, with atleast one retirement home in the town advising their residents to stay away. A real shame considering the beauty of the area.
Report abuse