THANK goodness the mayor Marjorie Corner and Councillor Norma Woodcock used their common sense in protesting against the fencing along the river bank at Abbey Walk (Times, January 23).

This is one of the loveliest parts of Tavistock and it would be utterly spoilt by having a fence erected there.

The Health and Safety risk assessment is a load of bureaucratic money- wasting rubbish. Obviously there is a risk, but there is a much greater risk of injury doing a thousand and one everyday tasks.

The risk along the walk is so obvious that people take extra care when in that situation, so there is no need for ?nanny state? to intervene.

Les Bennett, the works superintendent who did the risk assessment, had no choice other than to recommend a fence because to do otherwise would probably leave him open to prosecution if there was an accident there in the future.

We all know in our heart of hearts that most Health and Safety issues are just a matter of doing ?lip-service? in order to pass responsibility to someone else.

I think that erecting signs along the river stating the obvious are also totally unnecessary too as they pose an eyesore and are generally igored anyway.

Lifebouys would be of little use to anyone falling from the footpath, as they are more likely to sustain broken limbs or head injuries rather than drowning.

Let?s not waste taxpayers? money on something that is not needed.

Paul Phillips

Routrundle Farm

Walkhampton

OF COURSE the Abbey Walk should be fenced. The fence should be close-meshed and high enough to deter even the fittest and most determined accident seeker.

The notices warning of danger should be very clear: ?Gravity continues to operate beyond this edge? ?The water below is wet and may impair breathing?, ?If fallen on, the rocks in the river may concuss?.

The notices should be large but spaced to allow glimpses of the river between them.

Alternatively, toll booths or automatic turnstiles could be set up at each end to sell tickets which included a printed warning and disclaimer.

The payments could be used eventually to roof in the river or electrify the fence.

Philip Brett

Housemartins

Harrowbeer Lane

Yelverton