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Dangerous geraniums and other risky myths
• IT would appear that Camden have been looking at the trivial health and safety risks and ignoring the headlining issues that we read so much about.
If the lamp columns (Hang that health and safety – it’s blooming crazy! September 18) cannot support the flowers how will they stand high winds or people leaning against them?
All Councillor Chris Knight needs to do is to share the findings of the risk assessment that led to this conclusion with residents to clarify the decision.
If there are legitimate reasons they should be shared for the public good. Let’s hope these appointed “experts” don’t ban Christmas lights because they cannot find a safe way of providing services that the majority of other boroughs can facilitate.
The Health & Safety Executive have a website of myths about safety, including hanging baskets, or basket cases in this example.
Readers may wish to see information at http://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/apr08.htm
The text from the HSE is: “Back in 2004 a town did briefly take down its hanging baskets over fears that old lamp-posts would collapse. This was an overly-cautious reaction to a low risk.
“However, after quick checks the hanging baskets were replaced and have been on lamp-posts in the town every year since.
“Despite this, the story continues to be repeated and the danger is someone will believe it is a genuine requirement and follow suit.”
JOHN BARNES
via email
No warning
• THE hanging baskets of Hampstead and the fireworks of Primrose Hill are forbidden on the grounds of health and safety, and yet, more than six months after the Fire of Camden, there is still no protection for pedestrians on the pavement along the length of the site of the fire, despite our requests.
For a 100-yard stretch of Chalk Farm Road the pavement has been narrowed by hoardings to under two feet and there is not enough room for two people to pass.
For 200 yards of Castlehaven Road there is no pavement at all. On neither road is there any protected walkway for pedestrians.
Not even any warning notices.
Camden’s interpretation of health and safety legislation is a truly wondrous thing, far beyond the understanding of us, mere residents of the borough, let alone the understanding of the 100,000 visitors per weekend to Camden Lock.
Is it going to take an accident for action to be taken?
PROSPER DEVAS
Castlehaven Community Association, NW1
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