[Carruthers]

Offered without comment...

Bridge signs to deter suicide ruled unsafe

Handwritten signs offering support to suicidal people have been removed from a bridge over concerns that they could distract drivers.

The notices were pinned to railings after a number of deaths. One said: “The world is a better place with you in it. Talk and let it out. You are so wanted and loved in every way.”

A council worker removed the signs from the Chartist Bridge in Blackwood, South Wales, prompting a backlash from members of the public, some of whom described the action as disgraceful.

Rebecca Emily Jones said: “Just keep putting them up. So sad they would think removing them is a good idea. They could save someone’s life.”

The bridge, which opened in 2005, has been the scene of multiple suicides, leading to calls for higher fencing and other safeguards.

One said: “The good point of this bridge it has good views, the bad points are I’ve lost count how many people have taken their lives on this bridge.

This bridge needs a higher fence to stop more lives being lost. Come on Caerphilly council, sort it out.”

The notes were inspired by the Bridge the Gap campaign started by Lisa Barnes, 46, after she stood on a bridge intending to take her life in Tameside, Greater Manchester.

David Poole, the leader of Caerphilly council, agreed that it was a sensitive issue, but said: “We cannot ignore illegal signs on the highway that could distract motorists.”

There were official Samaritans signs on the bridge, he added.

The Times