I have lived in Thetford since the age of 10, when it was an everyday thrill to run up and down Castle Hill.

Eastern Daily Press: Despite the controversial steps that have been installed on Castle Hill, the views are lovely. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Despite the controversial steps that have been installed on Castle Hill, the views are lovely. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Since then I have taken my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who I have watched in awe as they did the same as me.

Now at the age of 84, my daughter and I went to Castle Hill on Good Friday at 10am. We found the steps easy to walk up, along with the hand rails.

At the top, we took photos and I reminisced of my childhood, during wartime, hearing the Guildhall clock chime in the distance, when my brother and I would run down the hill quick to be home for tea.

I fully understand comments of unsightly steps and agree they do stand out - it would be nice if others could appreciate the elderly like myself who can climb the hill by using the steps, who haven't been up that hill since childhood.

MORE - Good, bad or ugly – what do you think of the controversial Thetford Castle Hill stairs?

The town council have said they had to choose the material used, perhaps if they were painted green to blend into the hill or round the back of the hill, it would be better but the steps are resilient and feel good on the feet.

We intend to keep doing this activity, increasing my exercise and fitness.

There were young families even at 10am when we were there, going up and down the hill, no mobiles or iPhones in sight, laughing and chatting, parents and children, counting the 90 steps and enjoying the views and countryside. How bad is that?