I'm not sure how this managed to go unnoticed for so long as it was clear to all who saw it that an accident leading to serious injury or even death was just waiting to happen.

In fact, even though I consider myself to be reasonably steady-footed, I always crossed it with care, frightened of being crippled by such a dangerous thing.

I refer of course to a step, leading to and from a lower section of pavement.

Having been brought up in a house with steps I was often aware of their dangers, especially when using them to access higher floors and I've found myself being nervous when negotiating them many times.

This four-inch high encumbrance was a hazard to anybody not used to dealing with such things and I'm surprised it was not dealt with sooner.

Thankfully a piece of steel fence has been securely placed in front of the offending obstacle so any future mishaps will now be avoided.

On behalf of all who were jeopardised by this potentially fatal impediment I would like to express sincere gratitude to the benevolent force responsible.

I just wonder how the public will cope in the future as I've begun to notice the presence of steps everywhere.

Perhaps a scheme to raise national awareness could be organised. I suggest it be called: "How to safely walk up and down a step".

Alex Mettrick