THE other morning I made the precarious and hazardous journey along the pedestrian footpath around a few badly parked cars to the local corner shop.
When I got there I was confronted by two persons in white protective suits who were operating a high-pressure hose towards the ice lying on the footpath. Great, this is fantastic, I said to the newsagent. I will now be able to walk on the clean tarma
c path much more easily instead of facing the fear of falling on such a slippy surface.
However, to my surprise and disappointment, I was informed that this hi-tech operation was not to clear the ice, but to wash away the red, white and blue colour markings on the kerbs.
Firstly, this must cost a mint as these workers toiled most of the day. I can only presume this will be paid for out of the rates, and it also raises the question of just how much is spent on the safety of senior citizens. Secondly, what's more dangerous to people's health and limbs, a few painted kerbstones or footpaths covered with ice and snow?
I would ask the council, or whoever is responsible, to spend a few bob on wintry days to make life a bit easier and safer for us pensioners, rather than paying out to clean up after the no surrender brigade.
A near crippled pensioner, Ballyclare.
(Name and address supplied)
