Cheshire East Council has confirmed Network Rail is looking at how fencing and signage can be improved at an area of the Sandbach Flashes where a dog drowned on Friday (read the story here).

The council said safety measures had been put in place following a similar incident five years ago but added the fences "appear" to have been damaged and signs removed since then.

More than 8,000 people have signed a petition calling for additional safety measures at the site described as a "death trap" after Bruce, a golden retriever and poodle cross, slipped into the water and was dragged down by strong currents.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment, said: "We are sorry to hear about this tragedy and our thoughts go out to the owner of this pet which appears to have drowned at this location where there have been previous similar tragedies involving dogs.

"After an incident in 2015, this council contacted Network Rail who are responsible for the pipes and, as a result, fencing was erected by Network Rail, together with a number of warning signs (images attached), advising dog owners of the water hazard and to keep their pets on a short lead."

He added: "We have already investigated the condition of Network Rail's fencing, and signage and, it would appear, that part of the fencing and some signs have been damaged or removed. We have contacted Network Rail about this matter."

Network Rail have visited the site and are looking into how the warning signs can be "made more clear" and fencing "further improved".

Cllr Mannion said the council were informed that heavy rainfall over the weekend "overwhelmed the culvert" which caused strong currents and "a fast-flowing river".

"We would urge dog owners to beware of this potential hazard, should dogs be allowed to leave the footpath, and to follow the warning signs that have been erected, especially when weather conditions change dramatically, affecting this particular part of the river," Cllr Mannion said.