This forgotten would-be Eden lies shaded by branches bearing spring blossom and wafted by a breeze bearing nature's scent. It peacefully goes about its business, backing onto an ancient wall in a historic quarter of town.

Shame the suicide shelter provided by a caring council is polluted by wheezing smokers puffing their poisoned weed.

But at least they have shelter, unlike the same council's bicycle shelters where those who seek a healthier lifestyle and use their energies to pursue a greener mode of transport are rewarded with a roofless, wall-less, soulless lock-up.

The council, for reasons best known to itself, has decided to remove all the shelter from its town-centre bike "shelters" while retaining weather-proofing for those intent on a lingering and painful death.

This picture illustrates the council's covered smoking area at the side of King's Court. Nice, isn't it?

The other picture illustrates the council's provision for cyclists in Purfleet Street – opposite my office window. Spot the difference?

One used to look pretty much like the other. I have been contacted by cyclists, and members of the public who, admittedly, used the shelter as an unofficial smoking den during inclement weather, who feel victimised by the removal of their roof.

It's not for me to cast judgement on those intelligent adults prepared to run the risk of cancer and heart disease, and smoke. They know the hazards. They are clerarly stated in large print on their packets of cigarettes... SMOKING KILLS.

But I do wonder why the council has decided to remove the shelter from the bike stores in Purfleet Street and the Baker Lane car park.

It is true that both were frequented by town centre office and shop workers enjoying a cigarette. But they were also used for their intended purpose, by town centre office and shop workers who ride bicycles... funnily enough.

Now, the best they can hope for on a rainy day is a soggy ride home on their wet-seated cycle. Seems a bit stingy.

If a roof and walls is good enough for the council's smokers it should be good enough for the borough's council tax-paying cyclists. OK, smokers will take advantage, too. But so what?

I understand vandalism may have been a problem. But vandalism will probably always be a problem and removing the object of their anti-social behaviour gives in to the idiots and penalises innocents.

READERS WRITE BACK . . .

…let Purfleet know that the borough council did not remove the town centre bike shelters.

These were removed by Norfolk County Council (with the borough council's support) because of the cost of the ongoing maintenance of them due to accidental damage and vandalism – not, as Purfleet suggests, anything to do with them being used as an opportune smoking shelter.

Sharon Clifton
Communications Officer.
Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk,
www.west-norfolk.gov.uk