The huge steps on Lower Street, Haslemere – where the footpath through Sandrock Common meets Lower Street at the old chapel, have always presented a challenge because of their size and irregularity.  

After suffering a small stroke recently, I tend to lose my balance, and the lack of any handrail has made using the steps increasing difficult for fear of falling. 

I wrote to Haslemere Town Council to ask if it could use its powers and influence to get a handrail installed there.  

It would need to be long and sufficiently high to be of any benefit.

Imagine my surprise when a near neighbour sent us an email just a week later saying that the handrail was in place! I had copied my email to her when sending mine, knowing of her shared concern about using the steps.

Understanding something of the delays involved with council procedures, I was amazed that the rails, complicated by the fact that the steps are big and irregular, could be designed, budgeted for, fabricated and erected – all in the space of little more than a week.  Astonishing!

It is a most delightful walk at most times of the year and now it can be done without the fear of falling. Well done, Haslemere Town Council!

Robert Serman MBE (6’ 7 ½”, not quite the 7’ needed to qualify as a giant)

Courts Mount Road, Haslemere