Campaign spurs canal safety shift

11:55am Tuesday 27th November 2007

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A COMPANY has responded to calls to install safety measures at a canal following the tragic death of 30-year-old Leigh Pitt.

Tilfen Land, which owns Broadwater Canal in Thamesmead, has spent £5,000 on chains which are connected to the side of the canal just above the water line.

The company says if someone falls into the water there is now something for them to hold on to.

On June 7, Mr Pitt drowned in Broadwater Lock after diving in to save nine-year-old Harley Bagnall-Taylor, who had fallen into the water.

There were no chains, ladders, life rings or poles which bystanders could use to save him.

Mr Pitt's fiancee, Hema Shah, and his father Charlie have since called for safety measures to be installed alongside the canal to stop similar incidents happening again.

Four months later, a man nearly drowned in the same spot where 30-year-old Mr Pitt died.

He was saved by three men but all four had to be rescued by the fire brigade on October 19.

News Shopper subsequently launched its Lifeline Campaign to demand safety measures be put in place.

Miss Shah, of Anson Place, Thamesmead, said: "It is encouraging to see almost six months after the incident they have finally responded to our inquiries."

She and Mr Pitt's father also commissioned a report written by community group the Creekside Forum to highlight the dangers of waterways and canals in Thamesmead.

It was presented to Southwark coroner hn Sampson at Mr Pitt's inquest on September 18.

Mr Sampson then wrote to Tilfen Land chief executive Nigel Houston recommending safety and maintenance of the canal should be looked at immediately and a risk benefit analysis undertaken.

Creekside Forum co-ordinator Claire McRandal said: "Positive steps now come very late for Leigh Pitt.

"We look forward to seeing further robust health and safety steps from Tilfen Land."

Mr Houston says his company takes health and safety "very seriously".

He said: "Following the tragic accident involving Leigh Pitt, and the inquest, we have further reviewed our current arrangements at Broadwater Lock.

"This review was in hand prior to the News Shopper article of November 14.

"Orders had already been placed for additional works involving the installation of grab chains, however, we are grateful to have the opportunity to respond in full. We will continue to pursue any viable measures that contribute to safety.

"Our sympathies remain with the fiancee and family of Leigh Pitt, who showed great courage."

To read the response letter from Tiflen click here