Shrewsbury door staff trained to stop river deaths

Prompted by a series of deaths in the town's section of the River Severn in recent years, Team Shrewsbury - a partnership working group between charities, emergency services and other organisations - has implemented a string of new initiatives to stop even more tragedies.

One of these has seen 40 bar staff trained in water rescues, and five bars have received river safety kits containing throw lines and life jackets.

The Pub Watch scheme and riverside patrols over the busy festive period have further served to steer people away from the water.

Steve Jones, from Shrewsbury Street Pastors, which is a part of Team Shrewsbury, said: "We are very conscious of the fact that the river goes right through the middle of the town and for people to get out of the loop, where all the bars are, they have got to go over the river.

"If we find people near the river our role is to try and get them back into town. It's very much about keeping people aware of the fact that yes, the river is beautiful - but don't go in it."

Other agencies in Team Shrewsbury are also doing their bit, like West Mercia Search and Rescue which has provided the training, and the Samaritans who have placed signs on bridges.

The team is working to address the reasons people may end up there in the first place, whether they have had one too many drinks or have mental health problems.

A promotional day will be held in The Square in April to help spread the word.

Inspector Ed Hancox from Shrewsbury Police said: "It's a massive area of concern for us. There have been 10 river deaths since 2012 in the town.

"It's a priority for Team Shrewsbury to make the town as safe as possible."