NOWHERE, or so it seems to me, is it easier to force pedestrians from the footpath and into the road amongst the traffic than it is here in County Durham.

This is caused by motor vehicles parked partially, wholly or even driven on the footpath, in addition to sundry obstructions such as rubbish skips.

My understanding is that the Highways Acts of 1859 and 1980 describes a footpath as that part of the highway set apart for the use of pedestrians.

The thought of a young mother steering a pushchair with one hand and leading another child with the other, being forced from the footpath into the road because of such obstructions, fills me with dread.

As a registered partiallysighted person I expect to use the footpath with safety when I use the kerb line to navigate. I am constantly receiving bruises from walking into obstructions.

When I leave my home I expect to be able to walk safely on the footpath.

That this situation is allowed to continue suggests abrogation or even neglect of duty by the people entrusted with a duty of care.

Harry Henson, Durham.