A COUNCIL leader says his authority will do everything it can to keep people safe, following the disappearance of a Durham University student on a night out.

It is now a week since 19-year-old Euan Coulthard went missing having left Durham’s Loveshack nightclub alone following a birthday celebration.

The second-year law student, from near Nottingham, was last seen on CCTV descending a staircase from Framwelgate Bridge down to the banks of the River Wear.

More than 13,000 people have signed an online petition calling for more CCTV cameras, lights and railings to be installed to improve safety on the riverside.

On Monday, Durham County Council announced a safety review would be undertaken.

Today (Wednesday, January 21), council leader Simon Henig said officials would consider extra signage and safety equipment, focusing particularly on areas of high footfall and around the city’s nightspots.

There will also be a review of safety policy, plus further educational work including on having a safe journey home, not going home alone and through the Best Bar None responsible licensing scheme.

“Our thoughts are with Euan’s family and friends at this difficult time,” Councillor Henig told a full council meeting at Durham’s County Hall.

“Durham County Council will continue to work with its partners, Durham Constabulary and the relevant riverbank landowners including the cathedral, to do everything we can to support public safety.

“We will identify any areas where safety may need to be changed.”

John Robinson, the council chairman, said he had written to Professor Simon Hackett, principal of Euan’s St Mary’s College, to offer the authority’s support and thank the many students who have helped with the effort to find him.

Euan disappeared in the early hours of last Thursday (January 15), having been for a meal at La Spaghettata and left Loveshack shortly before midnight.

It is feared he may have drowned – two other students have died that way in the last 18 months.

Having conducted extensive land and water searches for several days, police have now scaled back the operation.

However, they are continuing to appeal for anyone with information on Euan’s movements or whereabouts to call the non-emergency number, 101.