E-scooter riders should be licensed

THE article in the Post (“‘E-scooter users left me scared’”, Post, April 12) concerning e-scooters has prompted me to write to express my own serious concerns about the current trial of their usage within Nottingham.

I realise it is illegal for these scooters to be ridden on pavements but, nonetheless, I have found it to be a daily occurrence to encounter them on the pavement and to have to step out of the way of them as they silently speed past. Additionally, and although more money has been spent on painting parking bays for specific use for e-scooters, I regularly have to bypass scooters abandoned on pavements, blocking my way.

I am fortunate to currently have no vision impairment but there have been occasions when I have been faced with a group of people walking towards me, and the obstacle of the e-scooter, and I have had to step into the road to avoid both the scooter and the other pedestrians.

It is time that consideration be given by the Government and the trial operators in Nottingham, to seriously enforce the regulations concerning the use of e-scooters. I am also of the opinion that e-scooter users should be obliged to pass a test and be licensed, as are car and motor-scooter drivers, but realise this is as likely as my winning the lottery!

Diana Smith Lenton Manor particularly those who were shielding, including my mum.

My mum has dementia but coped well as she had good friends and neighbours who visited her every day; until the first lockdown. IT is hard to describe the full impact shielding had on her, but her memory, speech and physical strength all declined significantly.

She spent most of last year in hospital, away from her loved ones and friends.

Busy staff on busy wards made it difficult to keep in contact with her and a particular low point was her being in hospital on Christmas Day and our Facetime call making her cry.

She lost a great deal through this process.

My mum never wanted to go into a care home, and given everything that was happening with Covid we were reluctant, but there came a point where there was no other alternative as she could not stand or walk alone.

We were so very lucky to get her a place at Richmand House in West Bridgford. I know there has been many things written about care homes during the pandemic but I can only describe her experience there as life changing. She rediscovered her smile, her laugh, her personality. She looked wonderful, her hair was always styled, her perfume and jewellery on, her nails were painted and her clothes lovely and clean. She considered it her home.

The staff were unbelievably kind, caring and genuinely cared for everyone at the home.

She passed away there, and the care given to her and our family could not have been more heartfelt or compassionate. We are eternally grateful to the owner, Sue, and the wonderful staff.

L Ellis Nottingham