Pavements are for the use pedestrians so that they can go about their business in a carefree and uninterrupted manner.

But their rights and relaxed use of the pavements is infringed by the improper and illegal use by others.

They include cyclists; motorists who leave scarcely room for a single pedestrian, never mind those with prams or wheelchairs; builders who store their materials on them; and shopkeepers who put out advertising boards.

The pavement surface is damaged by heavy lorries, cable layers and others who dig them up and restore them inadequately, and builders who dig them up and leave them unrepaired for months.

The city and county councils have powers to deal with these infringements, but are lax in using them and enforcing the laws. GORDON BUCHANAN, Victoria Road, Oxford