A REVIEW set up by British Water-ways into lock crossings after the death of a boy who drowned at the Stourport-on-Severn basins has identified several others in Worcestershire with similar problems.
The company reviewed similar low parapet crossings – bridges with low barriers – finding 26 across the UK which will have to be brought up to the company’s minimum safety standards.
They include Falling Sands Lock, near Wilden, Stourport-on-Severn; Caldwell Lock, Stourport-on-Severn and Kidderminster Lock turnover bridge. The requirements state that a crossing should have a non-slip surface and at least one handrail.
Locks included in the set of 26 include Stourport-on-Severn basin narrow lock two and the KidderminsterLock turnover bridge.
A spokesman for British Waterways said: “The permanent solution at each location will be sensitive to the heritage and appropriate for the location.
“We are consulting with a specialist heritage designer and the local authorities.
“We want to keep with the history of the basin and keep anyone using the lock out of the basin.”
A temporary handrail has been fitted at the site of the accident in Stourport-on-Severn until the permanent replacement is installed at the end of spring.
Robert Fidoe, aged 12, who could not swim, died after slipping off his bike while on a narrow bridge and falling into the water on June 3, 2011.
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