THANKS to Joyce Pickard, Maureen Robinson and Pamela Frankland for calling ‘a spade a spade’ in recent letters.

As long as this culture of binge-drinking continues, and society as a whole seems to have accepted it will, so will the possibilities of such tragedies. No amount of fences, railings or ladders will stop these horrific incidents.

As adults, we are responsible for our actions; we have a choice. You would think that just one of these shocking incidents would be enough to deter others, but it seems not. It is possible to have a ‘good time’ with one or two drinks only, even soft drinks – and until this message gets through, nothing will change. Please, please – think before you drink. The suffering for loved ones continues. My thoughts are with them.

Barbara Hudson, Badger Hill, York.