A CONCERNED mother’s campaign to improve riverside safety following three tragic deaths has hit its fundraising target.

Janis Penn, whose son attends Durham University, set out to raise £1,500 to improve safety around the River Wear in Durham City following the deaths of students Sope Peter, Luke Pearce and Euan Coulthard within 15 months.

A fourth, unnamed, student was rescued from the icy river in late January.

Mrs Penn’s online campaign, inspired by the amazing effort that raised £300,000 for disabled Gateshead pensioner Alan Barnes after he was assaulted, has now topped £2,000.

The Northamptonshire mother said she hoped the giving would continue and the total would keep rising.

All money raised will go to the City Safety Group, which is leading the response to the deaths and has announced a number of new safety measures including breath tests, a drunk tank, a “buddy” support scheme and new bus and taxi services.

Student newspaper Palatinate is also campaigning for improved riverside safety, under the banner: “Enough is enough”.

However, some are concerned the picturesque riverbanks would be ruined by the erection of barriers or signs.

Councillor Nigel Martin said the problems were down to reckless drinking among students.

Meanwhile, a student website has obtained figures suggesting complaints about alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in Durham have fallen in recent months.

Statistics obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by The Bubble showed there were just 11 complaints in January, down from 19 in December, 26 in November and 28 in October.

An online petition to improve river safety has attracted 15,632 signatures. It can be viewed at change.org/p/durham-county-council-greater-security-measures-to-be-put-in-place-around-durham-city-centre-peninsula