During that period, I have been aware and greatly saddened by the regular and increasingly frequent occurrence of suicide, the evidence for which is often displayed in the form of floral tributes, photos and messages pinned to the fence.

Indeed, a few months ago, I witnessed the results of one suicide when, attracted by the sound of a police helicopter, I walked the short distance to the bridge.

Anticipating a police/traffic incident, my fascination changed to shock when I saw a young man lying on the ground below.

I was both moved by the devotion to care displayed by the paramedics in attendance, but distressed by the piteous sight and absolute helplessness of the dying young man.

As you know, a few days ago, it happened again.

A woman fell from the bridge in the early hours of the morning and died a little later.

Soon, flowers and messages of grief from loved ones will adorn the inadequately low parapet.

A person of average height needs only to lean over the guardrail a little and this counter-balance will provide enough leverage to pull over the rest.

Indeed, last year, even an elderly woman managed to negotiate the parapet and commit suicide, having struggled up Mill Hill using a Zimmer frame.

The guard rail is not nearly high enough and has easily facilitated many suicides during the decades I've lived here.

Could there not be a fence constructed that was at least high enough to be unnegotiable?

Although for different reasons, such a safeguard, even including a "roof", has been incorporated in the footbridge adjacent to Boundstone Community College in Lancing.

I realise that suicide can be achieved in many ways, even if the bridge were "made safe" – but do we not all share some responsibility if nothing is done ?

Tony Day
Chanctonbury Drive
Shoreham


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