Five people have died in the river in recent weeks after coming off the road.

Sandra Henderson, who has lived alongside the Forty Foot with her husband, James, for 15 years, sends her daughters to school by cab because she thinks it is too dangerous for a bus to drop off young children near the river.

Sandra's two younger daughters, Emily (12) and Connie (11), go to Cromwell Community College at Chatteris.

She said it was when Emily started at the then Burnsfield school that she contacted the council to voice her worries.

"I had concerns," said Sandra, who feels the only way to keep children safe is to make the road access only.

She would also like to see white lines down the middle to stop overtaking.

This week, a county council spokesman confirmed there was a cab picking up the girls. However, he said it was because there was no other appropriate form of transport suitable or available.

Sandra's safety ideas have joined the chorus of suggestions made by Citizen readers to help prevent accidents at the Forty Foot.

The county added white lines were being looked at but questioned whether they would be enforceable.

A petition calling for action at the Forty Foot was due to be taken to the county council yesterday (Tuesday).

Chatteris town councillor Chris Howes and Ramsey town and district councillor Ray Powell have gathered 1,540 signatures and were yesterday due to attend a county cabinet meeting to make their views known.

Support has also been gained from town and parish councillors at Chatteris, Ramsey, Benwick, Doddington and Warboys.

A plea was due to be made for different options to be identified and a "sensible, productive and useful document" produced to be put up for debate.

A petition gathered at Benwick post office and stores, previously handed to the council, was also due to be brought to councillors' attention.

Article by: Sarah Reedman.