Clyde tragedy parents hailed for river campaign courage
THE family of a young man who drowned in the River Clyde have been commended for turning their anger into a campaign to help others.
Christopher Spiers, 28, slipped at the banks of the Clyde while making his way home from a night out in January 2016.
In the two years since, his parents Duncan, 53, and Margaret Spiers launched a campaign calling for increased safety measures at the water.
They previously handed a petition containing more than 1500 signatures into the local authority calling for action.
Council leader Susan Aitken announced that changes will be made to prevent another tragedy from happening. She added: “The Clyde is a key part of the city but as we know any water does pose dangers to the public.
“Duncan and Margaret Speirs, who lost their son Christopher, launched their campaign two years ago in the wake of that.
“Following a constructive meeting, every life buoy in the city will have a rope attached. We’re committed to undertaking a trial of lifeline telephones.I hope they can take some comfort in knowing their campaigning will help make the Clyde safer for everyone.”
She added: “The Clyde flows through many local authority areas. I know the Speirs’ campaign has had an impact at Holyrood as well. It takes enormous strength and character to turn enormous grief to something so good.
“Officers are working on an action plan with partners such as the Scottish Fire and Rescue involved.”
Councillor Graham Campbell applauded the family for “turning their anger and frustration into a very good campaign.”
Duncan Spiers said: “Everyone has been so supportive. Councillors were working cross party and gave us a support letter to hand in.
“I had a meeting with Susan Aitken to thank her for sending us out a nice letter and Councillor Gary Gray supported us.
“Something good has come out of Christopher’s death.
“We didn’t realise how bad it was until our son died.
“We’ve got to go to the Scottish Parliament where we’ve to speak to explain how we went about the campaign.”