SIR – RE Happy to Chat benches (July 11), I welcome this initiative and hope that it can be a source of help in social isolation.

I despair when every time my husband and I enjoy one of our regular walks in the Worcestershire countryside, that it is rare for people to acknowledge a simple “hello”.

It has certainly got worse over the last few years, as it has nationwide.

We have lived here for 24 years and love our Faithful city. Since retiring we have learnt more of its rich heritage.

Last week, we did one of our regular walks around the river Severn.

Starting at the cricket ground, over Diglis Bridge and back towards the city, exiting by the beautiful cathedral.

Along the way we had chatted to the Worcester river and canal trust volunteers. They were trying to manage the prolific brambles, hogweed and caring for the wild flower beds. Well done and thank you to them all.

We passed by many other people with a cheery “hello”, and only two responded.

How can we help the socially isolated if we cannot even acknowledge each other?

Come on Worcester, let us do our bit, just say hello and you may make one isolated person smile... and maybe occasionally a conversation with a passer by would follow to learn something new. Our own lives are richer for it.

Linda Ford

Worcester