A YOUNG man is calling for improved safety measures after losing two friends who drowned in the same Glasgow canal.

Darren McCafferty is struggling to come to terms with the loss of Stuart Davis and Kristopher Boyle, who died three years apart.

The 23-year-old, from Possil, said: "It's hard, really hard. We're all hurting."

Now Mr McCafferty, a security agent with Rangers FC, is calling for improved security, warning signs and lighting around the Forth and Clyde canal in Glasgow.

He was joined by Kristopher Boyle's grieving mother. Kim Keely has been left heartbroken.

Stuart, 23, died in the canal, close to Speirs Wharf, in the city's Port Dundas, in October 2011. He fell in after a night out in Glasgow.

Kristopher, 24, was found dead in the same stretch of water last month.

Darren launched a petition calling for improvements. He said: "That's two people we've lost because of the canal. They were people's sons, brothers, and friends - that's why I think something should be done about security around the canal.

"A high fence and better lighting might mean this will never happen again, and we won't lose anyone else."

Tributes, floral bouquets and football tops, have been left near where Kristopher, a joiner, was found. Around 200 people signed the petition, and local businesses.

Around 500 people were at Kristopher's funeral in Lambhill on Monday.

"Sandra White MSP, said: "I have written to Glasgow City Council and the canals network asking what can be done to improve safety in the area. I've spoken to people who live near the canal and they agreed there is really nothing between the canal and the pathway.

"Installing CCTV, lighting and a fence would help - or even a sign. People need to know to be alert when walking along this canal."

A Scottish Canals spokeswoman extended sympathies. ''We will be undertaking a further review of the area to see if there are any aspects of visitor safety we can improve."