THE mother of a promising young student whose tragic death triggered a major river safety overhaul has called for a street angels support scheme to be reinstated.

Last week, The Northern Echo reported how Durham University had scrapped the Street Angels night-time volunteering project, launched after the three students died in the River Wear within 18 months, after just a few months.

Angry students launched an online petition demanding it be resurrected – and that has now been signed by Hester Coulthard, mother of Euan Coulthard, a 19-year-old law student who drowned in January.

Mrs Coulthard, of Bottesford, Leicestershire, posted on the change.org webpage: “My beloved son Euan drowned after a night out in Durham, I would not like this to happen to anyone else.

“Our family is devastated and Euan has lost his life. I would like to see the Street Angels back.”

The petition has attracted more than 1,000 signatures in less than two weeks.

Luke Holdsworth posted: “Euan was a good friend of mine who didn’t deserve to die and nobody else should be put at risk.”

Matthew Fellows wrote: “A classmate of mine drowned after a night out. This should never happen again.”

Carl Davies said: “My son is looking to go here to Uni and I would feel safer knowing there are people who care and will look after him.”

Last week, Durham University said student volunteers would be more effective as part of “established community groups”.

Terry Collins, chair of the City Safety Group, said while the Street Angels decision was a matter for the university, the City Safety Group - which includes the university - was steadfast in its commitment to do everything practical to keep people safe.

“We have issued radios and delivered training to dozens of managers and staff employed by licensed premises across the city and funded a student-led campaign which delivers safe drinking messages.

“In addition the university has introduced a Get Home Safe scheme involving a number of taxi companies in the city and reintroduced the night time bus. Whilst no measures can eliminate all risks we are confident that we have a robust set of measures in place, alongside a physical programme of works on the riverside, to make a tangible difference.”