Bridge where boy, 12, fell to his death in line for safety work
Permanent safety measures are to be installed at an historic canal bridge where a 12-year-old plummeted to his death more than four years ago.
Robert Fidoe fell 20ft into a lock at Stourport Canal Basins when he lost his balance trying to ride his bike across the narrow tail bridge.
The tragedy in June 2011 prompted calls for improved safety along the canal - with railings put in place as a temporary measure.
Plans to install permanent safety measures have now been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council by the Canal & River Trust.
And a councillor today said the improvements were 'overdue'.
If approved, two handrails will be introduced - one along the span of the bridge and the other along an upper wall which runs alongside lock one.
A report to the council says it has taken a long time to agree on a final design for the measures due to the historic nature of the canal basin.
The report states: "The Canal & River Trust remains committed to protecting its heritage. Therefore, considerable effort has been taken to minimise the impact of the bridge on the historic fabric of the lock.
"A very lengthy consultation process has taken place over the proposed design which has resulted in the one developed."
The proposed handrails will be made of steel and designed to be lightweight.
No historic fabric will be drilled or altered to accommodate the fixing of the rail to the bridge. And the report says the measure will not change accessibility to the bridge other than providing safe passage along it.
The bridge is part of the original canal infrastructure and is 200-years-old.
Consultation has now started on the plans and a delegated decision will be made on the scheme later this year.
Councillor Chris Rogers, who represents Mitton, said: "This is overdue. I am very pleased the plans for these measures have now been submitted.
"They will improve things for the many people who visit the canal basins during the year. It is a very popular location with visitors.
"These are very necessary improvements."
Robert Fidoe, from Hartlebury, was out riding with a friend when the accident took place on June 3, 2011.
The youngster, who was unable to swim, struggled in the water before losing consciousness and going below the surface.
Fire crews from Kidderminster and Stourport, along with the Severn Area Rescue Association, spent 30 minutes searching for the youngster before he was pulled out of the water.
He was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital and was later pronounced dead.
At his inquest, Worcestershire coroner Mr Geraint Williams expressed concern life-saving equipment was not in place along the basin.
A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
