ON a visit to Sainsbury's store in Kidderminster on December 23, I was dismayed to find the main entrance obstructed by many pallets of bags of potatoes.

I asked the young man who was piling up more bags, if the manager was aware of the potential hazards of this situation and I also went to the inquiry desk to tell them of my concerns.

Much later at home I telephoned the store and spoke to the duty manager, asking him if he was really aware of the hazards, but he did not appear to be very concerned, and said that the chances of an emergency were thousands to one against it happening.

I asked him to consider what he would say to a relative or even the coroner if, God forbid, an accident did happen .

I later telephoned the fire service, and on assuring them I was no crank, I spoke to the duty officer who said he would send an e-mail to the store - which I assume he did.

On Christmas Eve at about 3pm I had to do some last-minute shopping and was relieved to find the area cleared.

I met the manager on the shop floor and congratulated him on the way the situation had been resolved so quickly, to the benefit of the shoppers of Kidderminster. I have never seen items disappear so quickly.

I do hope the fire service obtained some potatoes for baking on their watches!

LJ JONES

Kidderminster

(Full address supplied)