SIR,

Living in Usk, I often walk my dog along the riverside and stop at the various beaches at the water's edge.

The shallow water attracted hundreds of people in the recent hot weather, including families able to play at ease, knowing that in most parts of the river at this location, the water does not reach above knee height.

Recently, one mud beach has been cleared further back to allow more people down to the river, this is a great addition to the park and will be well used. However, as the beach was increased, the above sign was added to the spot.

I had to take a photo of it, it seems to be a prime example of health and safety being applied with little common sense involved.

At this spot, the water's edge laps gently at the mud and the bed of the river is visible most of the way out from the bank. The warnings of a 'vertical drop' and 'deep water' are simply unnecessary and readers of the sign are left wondering how much this cost to produce?

The same sign also sits further on up the path, where the walkway sits high above the river now, at the same height as the bridge. Here it makes sense.

An unnecessary gripe perhaps, but the UK has a proud history of having a bit of sense in these situations, and health safety should often be questioned before it creeps into all aspects of life.

Vicky Hallifax

(Usk)