The York Council has agreed a standard design for new riverside fencing.

The new design is likely to be used to protect the area along the River Foss between Foss Islands Road and Rowntree Wharf (rear of Walkers Yard)

Following a series of drowning incidents in early 2014 the City Council commissioned RoSPA to review the existing riverside safety measures along the Rivers Ouse and Foss in the city centre

The Council has now agreed a set of “Safety principles”

• “SAFETY PRINCIPLES FOR CITY OF YORK COUNCIL OWNED AND MANAGED LAND
  Lifebuoys will be provided at regular intervals along the western bank of the River Ouse from Millennium Bridge to Landing Lane, Water End and on the eastern bank from Clifton Bridge to Millennium Bridge.
  Lifebuoys will be provided at regular intervals along both banks of the River Foss from Blue Bridge to the Head of Navigation at Huntington Road railway bridge.
  Lifebuoys will, where possible, be located near light columns, be accessible from the river, eg adjacent to steps and take account of flood conditions.
  River bank edges will be defined by at least one of the following:
  a) Natural vegetation or hedges
  b) Fencing or bollards and chains
  c) Changes in surface texture, curbs or paint.
  Where the riverbank has a smooth vertical wall or side, and no fencing is present, grab chains will be provided along the river Ouse between Scarborough Bridge and Blue Bridge, and in the Foss Basin.
  Where there is a build up of silt or debris this will be removed annually.
  Where the riverbank is in private ownership the Council will seek to have the land owner adopt the same standards.
  INSPECTION AND REPAIR
  The Council will inspect and repair/replace on a weekly basis
  * Lifebuoys, ropes and signage concerning use
  * General river safety signs
  * Viewing platforms, steps, post and chain fencing
  The Council will inspect, make good or remove on a yearly basis
  * Road side railings
  * Grab chains and ladders
  * Road side markings ie. yellow lines
  * Silt and debris or trees and shrubs causing obstructions
  PUBLICITY
  All of this information, together with contact details, will be provided on the Council web site”.