Cotton wool!

IN REPLY to Rodney Blacklock's letter I must take issue with the statement that accidents are always caused and blame can be apportioned. The insurance industry is very keen on the phrase 'act of God', check any policy.

Let us imagine a future where there is always blame:

Following the Judgement in the High Court that in any accident there is always a cause and blame to be placed, insurers have unilaterally withdrawn cover for public authorities in respect of any public open space. As a result the government has issued the following advice to councils

Playgrounds; must be surfaced with a rubber or soft synthetic covering, slides must not exceed 30cm in height in case of a fall, swings must not move to an angle in excess of 10 degrees and must be fitted with dampers to avoid excess speed.

Councils may be tempted to remove playgrounds to avoid liability but should not in case they are subsequently held liable for childhood obesity.

Pavements; must be surfaced in non slip soft material and fenced off from roads except for authorised crossing points. To avoid additional maintenance costs councils are advised to permit new developments without pavements.

Trees; all trees should have branches below three metres removed to avoid climbing. Trees of less than three metres in total should be removed in their entirety.

Come on Mr Blacklock, of course we don't need excessive danger but children climb trees and jump off walls, adults climb mountains, jump out of airplanes and numerous other dangerous activities because of the thrill.

A lesson on the consequences when young can avoid far more serious actions later in life.

I have a life thank you, yours appears wrapped in cotton wool.

Michael Hogg

Elsham Drive

Great Notley