Tragedy prompts calls for safety fencing at canal
Police at the marina 13/8/12 Photo Emma Mitchell
THE grim discovery of an elderly woman’s body in the canal at Kirkintilloch has sparked calls for safety measures.
Police discovered the body of a woman in her 80s at Southbank Marina on the morning of Monday, August 13.
It is understood there are no suspicious circumstances.
Gary Abercrombie (19), from Twechar, died after falling into the Forth and Clyde Canal in August 2009 after a night-out.
And Jim Carroll died in 2003 when he tripped and tumbled into the canal.
There was a subsequent campaign for safety barriers and lighting to be installed on the canal.
The latest death has led to renewed calls for safety measures.
Concerns have also been raised about the new Lairdsland Primary School, which is planned to be built next to the canal.
Scottish Canals manager Alasdair Smart said: “Our sympathy goes to the family in this tragic incident. We will review the location once the exact details are made known to us and talk with any interested parties who get in touch.”
Gordon Currie, head of education at East Dunbartonshire Council, insisted everything will be done to make children safe at the new Lairdsland Primary.
He said: “Safety and safe routes for children will be paramount in the forthcoming design development process for the new school.”
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
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