I WAS saddened to read of the injuries sustained in a footpath fall in Durham City by 79-year-old Marjorie Whalley (Echo, some editions, Oct 26) and hope she soon recovers.
It is easy for Roger Elphick, head of highway management services at Durham County Council, to state that the number of insurance claims has been reducing year-on-year since 2001 without producing any figures to back this up. Of course, no one knows the number of unreported incidents.
One accident is one too many. The pavements should be safe for young and old, the sick, infirm, disabled, blind, drunk and sober.
My wife, Anne, who was also mentioned in your report, still bears the scars following her fall 11 weeks ago and will not venture into the city alone.
I would like to invite Mr Elphick to walk through the city with me accompanied by Durham City's health and safety officer and I will point out the many tripping and ankle-turning hazards.
R Gordon, Durham.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article