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Durham's City Safety Group


Durham City Safety Group was set up in January 2015 as a multi-agency approach to improve public safety in Durham City following a series of river related incidents. These incidents, some of which resulted in fatalities, followed nights out in Durham bars and clubs.

The group sought to allow the agencies to work more closely together to identify and implement measures to improve safety in the city centre.

Who's involved?

The group's members are:

The group meets regularly and is currently chaired by Jane Robinson, who is corporate director of adult and health services at Durham County Council.

Riverside safety improvements

The group has carried out extensive improvements to the riverside area of Durham with a view to improving public safety.

Work was carried out to barriers, footpaths, lighting and public rescue equipment.

It was guided by recommendations from the Royal Society of Prevention for Accidents, which was commissioned by the group to review public safety on the riverside.

RoSPA has since praised the work carried out and described it as "a very good model for other regions and cities to adopt."

Durham City Safety Group documents

Durham is a safe city

It's important to make it clear that Durham is a safe city. The range of measures and actions put in place by the group are designed to complement those already in place.

It's also important to say that, whilst the actions are wide-ranging, nothing the group does will replace the need for people to take responsibility for their own safety and to drink in a safe and sensible way.

Safer socialising

Several bars, clubs, hotels and take away venues in Durham have taken part in awareness training to spot violence and sexual harassment against women. Look out for the Step in Aware sticker and if you witness or experience an incident of violence or sexual harassment, report it to a Step in Aware business, or contact the police.

Keeping Durham City safe logo

In partnership with

  • Keeping Durham City safe


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