Sir – As a retired health and safety officer I cringe when I hear people criticising health and safety.

First, the only legislation I know is “The Health and Safety at Work Act”, pre any legislation ie The Factories Act 1964, we were killing in excess of 1,000 workers a year. Last year was a disappointing year because we only killed 171. The year before? 147. This is still 171 workers who leave home in the morning, but will not come home for their dinner.

Children playing in trees, or playing conkers, a risk? In my opinion this is absolutely ridiculous. Yes, we have become a nanny state. The ambulance-chasing solicitors etc are partly to fault, and I hope legislation is soon forthcoming to curtail their pursuits.

John Gilmore, Caversfield