Jesus College
Cambridge
CB5 8BL
29th November 2002
Dear Sir/ Madam
I am writing to you on behalf of the Pembroke College Winnie-the-Pooh Society to draw your attention to what we feel is a major fault in the design of your pedestrian crossings.
Our members have noticed that when the crossing is employed by pedestrians wishing to cross the road, very limited time is allowed for the little man to remove his red suit, climb down the ladder to the lower level in his orange cat suit, and don his green suit before adopting the traditional "stationary-walking" posture required of him.
The Society feels that there are a number of ways in which the current system of operation is unsatisfactory and potentially dangerous. One is that the little man is required to act very fast, and to climb down an unlit ladder, after what may be several hours of standing entirely still: we are concerned that this may increase the risk of his falling and injuring himself which, given that he works alone, could mean that his predicament is not discovered until a member of the public reports that the crossing has ceased to operate.
In addition we are worried that the lack of recognition given to the sterling work done by these tireless individuals in the service of the community could lead to a decline in morale, since we have become aware that, as their frenzied activity "behind the scenes" is carried out away from the public eye, many people believe that there are two little men, one in a green and one in a red suit one of whom is always off duty.
We at the Winnie-the-Pooh Society feel that one simple way of resolving both of these problems would be to illuminate the ladder between the upper and lower levels thereby both improving public awareness of the work of the traffic light men and improving their working conditions.
Should you, or a representative of the traffic light men, wish to discuss this matter further with us you would be most welcome to attend one of our elevenses meetings, held at 4pm every Saturday of full term.
Yours faithfully,
Rosemary A R Hunt
Foreign Secretary