Postbag: Who will take local risks seriously?

WE have had two very serious incidents over recent weeks which prompt me to write.

1 The hostage incident in Palestine shown on International News Headlines for weeks.

2 The terrible accident in Ramsey Forty Foot river which claimed the lives of a father and son. This naturally, was covered in our local news media.

The people who volunteer to go to war-stricken areas of the world know the risks involved. They know they risk being taken hostage. In fact the government duly informs them before they go.

That said I applaud their contribution and sincerely believe they make a difference, benefiting the lives of innocent civilians.

Where is the voice on local issues? We moan about speed cameras yet say nothing about the known risk to life along Ramsey Forty Foot. One death is enough.

Will it take a tragedy such as a bus full of passengers to force the hand on the council bank balance?

The late Councillor Paul Skoulding, regularly argued for a crash barrier along the Forty Foot. He even offered to raise the money himself. Is there anyone to take his place?

Suggestion: Transfer the money gained from speed camera fines to pay for the instalment of crash barriers along high risk roads. No doubt red tape will put a block on this.

Almost every year we lose a life in the Forty Foot river and no doubt there will be those who will blame reckless drivers. What if you are the innocent driver forced to swerve from a vehicle driven by an irresponsible driver? What good then making judgements?

I choose to drive along the Forty Foot fully aware of the possible dangers. just as those held hostage in Palestine choose to go there.

Who will do something? Who will take action? Who prioritises the issues worthy of serious debate?

I hope by this letter someone with the power to act will strive to bring about the instalment of crash barriers along the Forty Foot bank - before we have another tragedy.

JOHN BENNETT-COLLINS, via e-mail