MADAM,

May I, through this letter, thank the ‘good Samaritans’ who stopped to help me after I slipped on black ice on the pavement on Monnow Bridge on 30th December.

I would like to thank particularly Phil Jones, who took charge of the situation, phoned the ambulance and got blankets to keep me warm. To Phil, the paramedic and Richard and Geoffrey the ambulance crew who took me promptly to Nevill Hall Hospital and to the staff at A&E.

The staff of Handyman House really showed their community spirit by providing the blankets and salt to treat the pavements that MCC had failed to treat.

I have been left with concussion and numerous aches and pains, and also without my independence because I am unable to drive at the moment.

The question must be asked, as to why, in a town of predominantly elderly people, pavements on a main thoroughfare into town were left untreated; whilst I waited for the ambulance, two other people fell on the ice. Luckily, neither appeared hurt.

This accident has left me reliant on my lovely family and friends for transport to UHW (University Hospital of Wales) to visit my husband, who is awaiting surgery. Here I must thank the wonderful paramedic and crew who attended him so quickly; Ieuan, Dave and Kate, transferring him to UHW within 45 minutes of the call and undoubtedly giving him the best chance. Without these wonderful people our Christmas would have been so different.

Diane Sillman

(Monmouth)