I would like to offer some comments regarding the recent collapsed wall at Rosemount, Bratton.

We were all shocked and upset for the owners that their lives should have been so violently disrupted, and whilst the blocking of the road did of course cause inconvenience, the vast majority of residents from both Stradbrook and its surroundings expressed only sympathy and concern for the family affected.

The true cause of the tragedy is, I understand, still to be determined. However, one fact is absolutely certain; neither the Parish Council, nor the owners of Rosemount would have neglected to act if they had believed the wall to be in danger. The property and gardens are meticulously maintained, and only recently repairs were carried out to a separate section of wall.

There has been one extremely positive outcome. This wall is situated on a very dangerous, blind corner, and since the supporting scaffolding has been in place, motorists have been forced to slow down to 10mph. The speed of traffic in Stradbrook has always been a great concern and there have been several accidents injuring children in recent years.

Since the current road layout has allowed both emergency vehicles and refuse collection through, it may be advantageous to consider a permanent pavement for pedestrians in this curve.

B Ash

Bratton.