Tribute to ‘angel’ in canal safety bid
TRAGIC Charlie Pope’s dad has labelled the organiser of a campaign fighting for canal safety in his son’s name as the family’s ‘angel.’
University of Manchester student Charlie was found dead in Rochdale Canal in Manchester city centre on March 2 after going missing on a night out.
The death of the popular 19-year-old, from Ponteland, Northumberland, has thrust the issue of canal safety alongside the city’s vibrant nightlife into the spotlight.
In a matter of weeks more than 46,000 people have signed a petition calling for barriers to be installed along the canals.
Temporary barriers have since been erected at Lock 89 – close to where Charlie was found – as well as signage to guide people to the nearest footbridge.
Petition organiser Alona Ainsworth said that she will not stop campaigning until the barriers become permanent. And Charlie’s grieving dad Nick, who has helped play a leading role in the campaign, has outlined just how grateful his family are for her efforts. He said: “I’ve been down to meet her and her husband. They are incredible people. “Alona’s had no reason to do this and stick with it, but she’s keeping this going. She’s a remarkable person and is fired up. “We pretty much text every day. She won’t have it, but I’ve called her our angel.” Nick, 53, has since visited the area where Charlie’s body was found, and together with Alona met members of the Manchester Water Safety Partnership to raise their concerns. Nick, who is also due to meet the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham at the end of the month, wants the partnership’s representatives to meet monthly on the matter and provide him with regular updates.
He added: “I know there’s no silver bullet – some measures will be quick and cheap while others will be more expensive and take time.
“This is an epidemic of a problem that we need to recognise and address.
“I want to see actions, not words.”
A service to celebrate Charlie’s life will be held at English Martyr’s Church on Stamfordham Road on Thursday lunchtime.
Dozens of family and friends will gather for a balloon release before the teenager is laid to rest in a private ceremony.
To sign the petition, visit www. change.org/p/andy-burnhamthe-bridgewater-canal-companyltd-canal-and-river-trust-peelgroup-put-barriers-up-on-themanchester-canals/u/22515487.