A CONCERNED mother is demanding swift action after her online campaign raised more than £2,500 to help prevent further river deaths.

Janis Penn, whose son attends Durham University, launched a Crowdfunding campaign following the deaths of students Sope Peter, Luke Pearce and Euan Coulthard in the River Wear in Durham City within 15 months.

The effort, inspired by the online campaign that raised more than £300,000 for disabled pensioner Alan Barnes, smashed its £1,500 target in weeks and now stands at £2,600 (£2,411 after administration fees).

Aware the City Safety Group commissioned the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) to conduct an independent review of riverside safety in Durham, Mrs Penn said she hoped the authorities would “act swiftly in implementing any recommendations”.

But she rejected calls for "intrusive" barriers or fences, saying she hoped the money raised would be spent on “smaller” measures, such as life buoys.

Mrs Penn, from Northamptonshire, said she had been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of donors, including one who gave £1,000.

“If we can save just one person from another tragic accident, it will be money well spent,” she said.

“Unfortunately the state of river safety in Durham is still putting lives at risk. There is a lack of lighting and railings along the river, poorly maintained banks and uneven pathways and steps.

“Despite this, nothing has yet been done to improve river safety. An array of riverbank safety measures is required.”

Some measures have already been introduced, including a drunk tank, nightbus and taxi services and a student-led riverside angels support scheme, and pub door breath tests will be piloted when the students return from their Easter holidays.

In addition, Terry Collins, chair of the City Safety Group, said it would consider Rospa’s report in the very near future and draw up an action plan.

“The report’s recommendations will be acted upon in an informed and timely way. We will also be publishing it in full,” he added.

“We are more than happy to advise anyone wishing to support the group’s work on how they might be able to do that at this point.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Mrs Penn’s campaign can still do so online at justgiving.com/yimby/durhamriversafety

Meanwhile, the drowning prevention charity the Royal Life Saving Society UK has warned people to stay safe around water as the country enjoys unseasonable sunshine.