MADAM,

No one would wish to discourage the advertising of events or businesses particularly during current times of fierce competition, but I should like to draw attention to the dangers of using the railings where Redbrook Road joins the Wye Bridge.

This point which seems an ideal place for advertising presents a serious hazard. During bad weather, the wind uninterruptedly gathers speed across Monmouth School field and air is also sucked at speed through the arches of the bridge. This combination hits any banner that is placed on the railings with considerable force from behind. Banners buckle into the shape of a sail and are invariably weighty. Neither their ties or eyelets are strong enough to withstand severe weather conditions at this point. If one end becomes detached it creates a hazard for pedestrians. If both ends become detached it is a potential hazard for motorists. There have been occasions when pedestrians have been extremely shocked at narrowly escaping being hit in the face by a considerable weight travelling at great speed. This could cause severe facial injuries.

Fortunately, those organisations that I have managed to warn about their runaway banners have been courteous enough to deal promptly with the situation. Having made enquiries of MCC I understand that any banner placed adjacent to any public pavement (regardless of who owns the railings, walls etc) needs to have permission from the council and that is only granted on condition that the organisation has a public liability insurance of £500,000. To be safe, any outdoor publicity needs to be inspected daily particularly in bad weather conditions and removed immediately an event has taken place.

Angela Hoyle

(Monmouth)