A CONCERNED resident has questioned the safety measures around Portishead Marina.

The local has said that they are "horrified" to see young school children running and biking around the edge of the Marina, often in areas that have no safety railings.

The resident said: “I have been trying to raise awareness of the safety measures around our beautiful Marina and feel extremely concerned in the particular areas that have no railings!

"I walk around there frequently and am horrified when I see young children especially running or biking around the edge! It is so unsafe."

These concerns are especially relevant following the accidental death of Andrew Rees.

The Marina has confirmed that the quayside, including the railings, are the responsibility of the land owner which is North Somerset Council for the west side of the marina and Persimmon Homes for the east side.

When asked about these safety concerns, a North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “North Somerset Council has undertaken risk assessments of Portishead Marina to make sure it continues to be safe for public access.

“We are aware that this is deeply important, particularly following the tragic accidental death of Andrew Rees at the Marina. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family.

“The council will be reviewing its existing risk assessment of the Marina in February, as agreed with the coroner, once all the information from the inquest has been considered.

"We will also follow the coroner’s recommendation to formally revise risk assessments if there are significant changes to the way people use the Marina.

"As was explained at the inquest, the council was already revising risk assessments when needed, but we will gladly formalise this approach in the future.”

A spokesperson for Persimmon Severn Valley added: “The design of Portishead Marina, including the placement of railings and open areas, was developed in accordance with the planning permissions granted and guidelines set by North Somerset District Council.

“Railings and other safety measures have been installed at strategic locations where changes in direction occur, in line with practices observed in Marina developments across the country."

A representative from the Marina itself concluded: "The Marina has raised the issue of railings in the past and following discussions with the land owner railings were added to areas of high footfall and where there was a change in direction of the dock wall. 

"Any decision regarding the installation of additional railings rests with the land owner and we will continue to encourage the adoption of the highest safety standards."