A CONCERNED mother inspired by the Alan Barnes phenomenon has launched an online fundraising campaign to improve riverside safety following three tragic deaths.

Janis Penn was dropping her student son off at Durham University when she stumbled across the spot where 19-year-old Law student Euan Coulthard disappeared on Wednesday, January 14, and was moved to action.

She believes there are insufficient safety measures along the River Wear and, inspired by the online campaign that raised more than £300,000 for Alan Barnes after the disabled Gateshead pensioner was assaulted last month, has set up a donations website, hoping to raise at least £1,500 to put that right.

Mrs Penn, from Northamptonshire, said: “I was totally devastated and heartbroken (by Euan’s death).

“We were taking our son back for the new term and it really brought it home. As a parent, I felt I needed to try to help.

“I feel for the parents. I wouldn’t want it to ever happen again. It’s a pointless waste of life. If we can save just one person from a tragic accident it will be money well spent.”

Aware of the heritage of the area, Mrs Penn wants “safety measures that would not be an aesthetic intrusion”, potentially including extra lights and barriers.

All money raised will go to the City Safety Group, which is leading the response to the deaths of Euan Coulthard and fellow Durham University students Sope Peters and Luke Pearce in the Wear within 15 months.

A number of safety measures announced by the group earlier this week have now come into force, including a drunk tank, “buddy” support scheme and new bus service.

The so-called drunk tank, officially a safe haven, has opened in Millennium Place, with chairs, a gym mat, water, blankets and buckets available three nights a week.

The first student was taken there on Wednesday (February 11) to sober up before being escorted home by friends.

A nightbus has returned following a two-year absence and the on-call, £1-a-trip service is now available to students seven days a week.

Durham Students’ Union sabbatical officers have begun patrolling the streets at night and a taxi service funded by Durham University will start soon.

Training for the 200-plus students who have volunteered for a street angels-style support scheme is about to begin and the first team will take to the streets later this month.

Doorstep breathalyser tests, extra training for bar staff and a major education campaign are also planned.

An online petition calling for better riverside safety has attracted 15,579 signatures.

To support Mrs Penn’s campaign, visit justgiving.com/yimby/safetyfordurhamstudents