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Local businesses join forces to keep canal safe

Canal safety scheme launched

Thursday, 24 April 2008

Following the recent deaths in Manchester’s city canal, a joint initiative by the Village Businesses Association and Manchester Pub & Club Network has been launched for licensees, managers and door security staff of licensed premises in the city centre. Venues in locations including Canal St, Deansgate Lock and Castlefield will be offered training for their staff in the hope of avoiding further tragedies.

Phil Burke, who is spearheading the training course held with Manchester Vindex Training & Licensing Consultancy based on Princess Street, said, “It was agreed that venues would put safety measures in place to help prevent any further tragedy. I will be asking all city centre venues to nominate at least one person who would be able to offer help, support and give the basic first aid should somebody fall into the canal outside their premises.” He went on to describe the objectives of the scheme saying they wished to “raise the awareness of the dangers and limitations when working in or around water environments, the course content will endeavour to achieve this through both practical and theoretical sessions, coupled with comprehensive basic life support which will be certificated accordingly.”

Manchester councillor Pat Karney said of the new scheme, “We have had a fantastic response from operators along Canal Street who have already enrolled 19 staff onto the first course. It is a great initiative in saving lives to be launched in the city centre.” Inspector Nicky Porter, from the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said, “We are pleased that this initiative is now up and running. Any basic safety and first aid training can only be a positive thing for the bars and clubs around the city’s canals.”

Supported by the Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and Cityco the scheme is seen as a welcome addition to the safety of Manchester LGBT community with Gary Ellis from Cityco commenting, “We are committed in supporting businesses in this any scheme which will help saves life's along Manchester's Canal sides across the city centre, this scheme clearly demonstrates how the authorises and local businesses can work together.”

For further information please contact Phil Burke on 07968 203 271 / 0161 834 3088 or Kevin Bray at Vindex Training on 0161 237 9905 / 0773 50589519.