Shrewsbury baby rescue sparks new River Severn safety call
Campaigners have renewed calls for the introduction of safety measures along the River Severn in Shrewsbury following the rescue of an eight-month-old baby.
The Make Our River Safer group said the latest incident, when three Shrewsbury Town Council workers saved a baby after its pram was blown into the river close to the weir in Castlefields, was a timely reminder of the need to take action.
More than 2,600 people have now signed a petition on Change.org calling for a number of safety measures to be implemented. They include railings, CCTV cameras and extra lighting.
The three men who rescued the baby from the River Severn are to be commended for their bravery.
Shrewsbury Council workers James Williams, Andy Hill and Mickey Bramall, sprung into action after the child's pram was blown into the river near to the Dana Gardens last Friday.
Now Shrewsbury's Mayor, Beverly Baker, has asked the council to back a "commendation of bravery" for the men's heroic efforts.
Simon Tildesley, a representative of the group, said: "It is another push to make the river safer. It just gives another example of why we need something done.
"I am just thankful that the guys were there to stop it being another death that the river has taken."
The online petition was launched by Ben Evans, whose friend Josh Wreford, from Radbrook, drowned in the river in 2010.
The latest safety call comes weeks after the body of Daniel Hodgin was found in the river at Cressage on New Year's Eve.
The 20-year-old from Madeley, Telford, went missing after a night out in Shrewsbury and was last seen close to the river in the early hours of Sunday, November 23.
Mr Tildesley said the baby rescue illustrated that railings and CCTV cameras need to be introduced to make the river safer.
He said: "We need railings. If there were railings there it would not have happened, that would have prevented it.
"We also need CCTV and extra lighting so people can see where they are walking. With students coming into Shrewsbury with the new university they are not going to know where the danger spots are and that is another reason to have railings.
"It is not just the railings either, it is about making people aware of the dangers. This is another example of the danger it can pose and we need safety measures put in place."
Mr Tildesley said the group had also been surprised at the level of support they have received, with more than 5,500 liking their page on Facebook so far. He said: "It has been overwhelming, we are absolutely shocked. We never thought we would get so much support."
Claire Wild, the authority's cabinet member responsible for environmental maintenance, said: "We have already undertaken some investigations and are looking to make some improvements, which we hope will help to reassure residents and visitors."
Click here to sign the petition
