POLICE and a council have teamed up to help launch a river patrol aimed at making a popular river safer for users.The patrol will operate on the River Deben during peak periods in the summer and deal with the worrying number of river users who disregard the byelaws and put the safety of themselves and others at risk.

POLICE and a council have teamed up to help launch a river patrol aimed at making a popular river safer for users.

The patrol will operate on the River Deben during peak periods in the summer and deal with the worrying number of river users who disregard the byelaws and put the safety of themselves and others at risk.

Suffolk Coastal District Council, Suffolk police, members of the Fairway Committees and the River Deben Association are pooling their resources for the first time to introduce the river safety patrol.

Maggy Wilson, the Suffolk Coastal District Council cabinet member for community well-being, said: "It is a great shame that the actions of a small number of people can spoil the enjoyment of so many others.

"We are confident that this initiative will go a long way towards making the River Deben a safer place".

Safety advice and details about the extent of river speed limits are publicised in the Felixstowe Coast and River Deben water recreation guidelines which are available from tourist information centres, seafront kiosks, sailing clubs and the East Suffolk Waterski Club.

There is also an answerphone incident line on 01394 444224 or by e-mail to ftic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk through which the public can report details of irresponsible behaviour to assist the patrols.

n The chairman of a coast patrol rescue service has thanked the public, businesses, organisations and sponsors who came to its rescue during its fuel cash crisis.

The Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol Rescue Service faced a crisis in April when it was left without any money to pay for petrol for its boat.

Its plea for help was met with an overwhelming response, with money pouring in to keep the vital seafront rescue and patrol service afloat.

Service chairman, John Cresswell, said: "The support came just in the nick of time so that we were able to commence patrols from May 1.

"Already our shore staff have dealt with numerous minor first aid cases and our patrol boat, Volunteer, was put on standby to assist a yacht off Shingle Street, has assisted a sloop aground and with engine trouble in the River Orwell and another sloop aground on the notorious Deben Bar.

"We are a registered charity and totally independent, and therefore we do rely solely on financial support from the public and various organisations to both survive and operate to an extremely high standard."