THE Health and Safety regulations are getting out of hand.

I left my house this morning to go and buy a newspaper, and was stopped by an official who insisted I go back into the house for a hat, on the grounds that I might get my head wet should it rain.

Also he was adamant that I go half a mile down the road to a pelican crossing to cross the road.

Apparently people have been known to be hit by passing vehicles.

I did as I was told, and on arrival at the newsagents, I was informed that I was only permitted one bar of chocolate and one can of beer with my paper. Hadn't I heard of obesity and alcohol addiction?

I could only pay for my purchases in coins, which I was obliged to drop in a bowl of disinfectant.

The newsagent wrote down these instructions, as I could not understand him due to the fact that he was wearing a gas mask in case one of his customers was carrying germs.

Isn't it time we abolished these stupid rules?

R BRYAN, Sunnybank Road, Blackburn.