ALMOST 15,000 people have signed a petition for CCTV, railings and street lights to be put up around canals.

The petition has been launched by the friends of 22-year-old Caspar Blackburn, after his body was found in the Bridgewater Canal on Saturday.

The petition reads: "A friend of ours was found in the canal last week at just 22-years-old. He was missing for 6 days before he was found.

"We believe that if CCTV was there we would have found him quicker and if there were railings and street lighting he may never have fallen in.

"We would like to raise awareness due to many people being found in the canal as it is a very dangerous place."

Caspar was last seen at the Slug and Lettuce bar in Sale in the early hours of Sunday, October 1.

He never returned home, turned up for work or contacted his friends or family since.

After an extensive search by Police and the community, his body was found in the canal in Sale, near to Springfield Road on Saturday.

People have commented on the petition to show their support: "This is definitely needed to help save lives and could of prevented the unfortunate horror of poor Casper and stop other parents, friends and family suffering."

Another one said: "Totally agree! Would be much safer! Shame it takes such tragic circumstances to make a difference - r.i.p Casper."

To sign the petition visit: change.org/p/council-cctv-and-railings-for-canals