IMPROVEMENTS are to be made to safety measures along a stretch of the River Wear in north Durham.

Safety measures will be enhanced in and around the weir and footbridges at Chester-le-Street's Riverside Park.

The move follows an ongoing assessment of areas of open water owned by Durham County Council.

Following advice and guidance from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the council is undertaking assessments of rivers, lakes and other bodies of water to see if further improvements can be made.

Some areas have already seen changes and council officers have now completed assessments of the Chester-le-Street Riverside complex where the council has landowner responsibility.

Kevin Lough, Durham County Council occupational health and safety manager, said: “Following specialist training from RoSPA assessments of open water sites are now being undertaken where the council has responsibility. This includes the Riverside Complex and surrounding areas.

“The assessments, using RoSPA methodology, will identify where further improvements are required.

“One of the important aspects of water safety is to educate and improve awareness within known at risk groups such as young people. We have been working with schools within the Chester-le-Street area.”

Public rescue equipment will also be improved and new safety signs will be put up which highlight hazards associated with the river.