Plans are in place for a range of new safety measures along the River Tyne following the tragic death of 13-year-old Robert Hattersley last month.
The Crawcrook teenager got into difficulty while swimming in the Tyne near Prudhoe and Ovingham with friends in July. Robert was pulled in by strong currents and those with him were unable to save him.
Now Coun Angie Scott, who represents Prudhoe North and is Northumberland County Council's shadow cabinet member for children's services, has revealed the new safety measure plans.
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Coun Scott, who herself was almost swept away in the river when she was a teenager, has told parents she is working with council officers and local groups to improve safety measures and deliver education sessions to young people.
She has been working alongside Prudhoe Youth Service and local schools, with plans to meet emergency services and develop an "educational package" for young people to raise awareness of the dangers the stretch of river poses. The package is due to be agreed in the coming months, and Coun Scott hopes it will help in the future.
She said: "Having only been elected just over a year ago there was so much to pick up following years of neglect. I am proud to be bringing forward this collection of measures that I hope will have a positive impact and prevent any family going through what the Hattersley family have.
"I have met with some professionals, agreed a plan of work and will closely follow it to ensure it takes place. This should have been done a long time ago but I am pleased to be the one to rectify it.
“I will also be visiting the educational sessions we have been working on together with Prudhoe Youth Project, Schools and Emergency Services.”
A six-hour search was carried out by Northumbria Police, Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service, Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and Mountain Rescue on July 17 in a bid to rescue Robert, but tragically his body was later found in the water and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Last week, Robert's sister Emma paid tribute to her brother, describing him as a "great uncle" with a "cheeky chappy smile". The family are now raising awareness of the risks around water and the importance of being safe. They have urged people to stop and think, spot the dangers, stay together, float in an emergency and call 999.
A Family Fun Day in memory of Robert will be held at from 1pm Crawcrook Albion on September 3. There will be children's rides and hook-a-duck, a football match, local crafts, dance shows, a disco, a raffle as well as stalls, a bar and food. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
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