I've created this petition in hopes of bringing new safety measures into place for the sake of families, and all other pedestrians, who regularly use the walkways surrounding the Canal in Newbury.

After a tragic incident involving the death of a 3 year old boy, on Saturday 13th March 2021, it's clear that we need a strong barrier in place to prevent accidents like this happening in the future.

The weir at Victoria Park, by Ash Bridge, has long been recognised as a potential danger zone, with turbulent waters and a strong current rolling into the canal. Other than a brick wall behind the small bridge walking directly over it, and some short railings backing off of this, there are no other safety measures in place to prevent one falling into the weir. Having grown up in Newbury, I know that one can reach the water with just a few steps down the steep drop from the footpath. The weather yesterday was windy, the water level has risen as it often does, and there are often fallen trees and other objects in the water which could prove to be a further risk of drowning. This is particularly important when you consider the fact that this weir is within a minute's walk of the children's play area, and is within feet of the footpaths on either side.

I feel many citizens in Newbury would agree, that a simple extension of fencing around the weir itself, and the first portion of footpaths on either side, would be sufficient to help prevent another tragedy.

Please sign if you care to help us all create something useful as we move forward out of this situation.  

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the mother, and family of the child at this difficult time.