Equipment and training that could save lives has been provided to people who work in Durham City centre.
Durham City Safety Group (DCSG) has provided throwlines, and training in their use, to Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary staff, including those who work in the city’s The Hub @ St Nic’s Church.
The equipment and training will allow those trained to help out should anyone need rescuing from the River Wear in the city.
The training will be offered to other people who work or volunteer in the city centre in future, including staff at licensed premises.
Alan Patrickson, DCSG chair and the council’s corporate director for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “Durham is a very safe place to live, work and visit and, thankfully, there has been a decrease in incidents in the River Wear over the years.
“However, the team working in the hub has encountered a small number of incidents where people have ended up in the river which is obviously extremely dangerous.
“We decided to buy the throwlines and lay on the training so that those whose duties mean they are regularly in the city will be better equipped should further incidents happen. If they help just one person, they will have been a very worthwhile investment.
“We look forward to offering the training more widely in future, in the hope of increasing the chances of a successful outcome if someone ends up in the river.
“In the meantime, we continue to encourage people to take care when around the river and any other open water, and to remember the risks.”
The cost of the throwlines has been met by the council and police.
Inspector Dave Clarke said: “This is a fantastic partnership initiative that is just one of a number of increased protective measures in Durham City to keep people safe.
“By training hub staff, neighbourhood policing teams, wardens, licenced premises and others, it helps to make sure that there will be someone there to assist if a person does go into the water.
“We are looking to expand the training to our Street Friends volunteers and more of the bars and businesses by the waterside and hopefully include some initial crisis negotiation input for those who are responding to incidents. We also need people to convince their friends to stay out of the water, particularly when enjoying the licenced premises in the sunshine as the water is fast flowing, cold and has hidden dangers.”
The training was delivered by representatives from fellow DCSG member County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service at its Sniperley Community Fire Station.
Sarah Litt, Community Safety Team Leader for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are always delighted to be a part of joint safety initiatives, especially when our crews can deliver vital sessions such as throwline training.
“We would hope that the training has empowered the individuals who attend with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively in emergencies and potentially save a life.”
The investment in public safety follows new public rescue equipment being installed on Framwelgate Waterside by the council.
The Hub @ St Nic’s was established by the authority to provide support or medical help to those who need it on nights out.
The site sees staff from the council and police joined by Durham StreetLights, a joint initiative of Durham churches through which volunteers provide practical and emotional support; and medics from CitySafe, who provide first aid and medical assistance.
Funding for the site has been received from two government streams: Safety of Women at Night and Safer Streets; as well as the county council, police, the Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington Joy Allen, City of Durham Parish Council, Durham University and Durham BID.
The City Safety Group consists of representatives from the council, police, fire service, Durham University, Durham Students Union’ and Durham Cathedral. It was set up in January 2015 as a multi-agency approach to enhancing public safety in Durham City.
The group seeks to allow the agencies to work more closely together to identify and implement measures to enhance safety in the city centre.
