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Video: Marchers urge council to review River Medway safety

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Walk to demonstrate the need for higher railings around the River Medway.
Walk to demonstrate the need for higher railings around the River Medway.

More than 100 people gathered in Strood on Saturday to raise awareness of the dangers of the River Medway.

Family and friends of Sonny Pataria – who was found in the Medway last month – Chris Lawless and Terry Reynolds were invited to the event.

Many wore red Liverpool tops to pay tribute to the popular 18-year-old Sonny, whose death triggered an incredible outpouring of grief.

Others wore T-shirts dedicated to the other men which read Never Forgotten.

At 11am the crowd set off on its route across Rochester Bridge, through Rochester High Street and Chatham before finishing at Gun Wharf, where Sonny’s body was found.

Organiser Rachel Smith said: “We want more safety measures, either sign posts, higher railings, manned CCTV cameras, better lighting or something to grab on to if you are in the river because there is nothing now.

“If you fall in you cannot get out, it is a one way track.”

A Medway council spokesman said: “The death of Sonny was a great tragedy and all our sympathies are with his family and friends.

“We will happily talk to any of the campaigners about ways they feel the riverside can be made safer for pedestrians at any time.”

• To see Rachel’s campaign group, called 'Get higher railings for River Medway 4 Sonny P XXX’ log on to www.facebook.com

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