River Aire fenced off after man drowns

A COUNCIL has today closed a gap in fencing on the banks of the river Aire in Leeds city centre near to what is believed to be the scene of a man's drowning.

Student Matthew Wilcox drowned in the river last month after a night out.

Today Leeds Council said: "The council has used its legal powers to instruct its workers to erect suitable fencing to fill the half-metre gap in the guard railing near Riverside Court on land owned by the Unite trade union.

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"Work will take place on the fence today after the council received no response to a letter sent to the union on March 11 calling for Unite as landowner to close the gap urgently."

Councillor Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds Council and executive member for development, said: "We have instructed our officers to go onto Unite's property today and put an appropriate piece of fencing across this gap. Although this is not our land we are acting to ensure public safety.

"We will also be looking at other areas of privately-owned land alongside the river which are accessible to the public to check whether there are any hazards. Our waterfront is a massive asset to the city and it needs to be safe for everyone to use."

The body of 19-year-old Leeds University student Matthew was found in the river six days after he went missing following a night out.