KATE and Stephen Ferry have backed calls by York Central MP Rachael Maskell for a new inquiry into river safety in York, following the death of their son and three other people in rivers over a fortnight.

The couple met Ms Maskell at the weekend, while visiting the city to lay flowers at Blue Bridge, where their son Sonny’s body was recovered earlier this month.

The MP said afterwards that after meeting them, it was clear they wanted their son’s legacy to bring lasting change.

“They want to partner with residents across York and Sonny’s friends in supporting York Rescue Boat and to see improvements in river safety,” she said.

“Following a tragic fortnight on the river, I am calling for a new inquiry into river safety in York, involving all the relevant agencies, so that residents and visitors can be kept safe by the water. There is always more that can be done, and I expect the council to respond positively to my call.”

The Ferrys welcomed her calls, saying they believed a series of safety changes could be made to the riverside, including fencing of some banks, such as one near Blue Bridge where they believe Sonny slipped and fell in.

City of York Council responded last week to a call by the MP for a review by saying it would continue to work proactively with organisations to improve river safety and ensure appropriate preventative measures were taken. It said it carried out a review in 2014 to improve safety, and placing railings along the entire length of rivers was not practical.