A pensioner died after falling down rubbish

tip steps identified as dangerous.

Orthopaedic surgeon Nick Laurence, 86, of Hove Park Way, Hove, had been emptying garden waste into a container at the Old Shoreham Road recycling facility in May when he slipped and suffered serious head injuries. He died four days later.

The Argus has learned other pensioners had voiced concerns over the safety of the new steps before the accident.

The coroner's office is appealing for other people who have fallen on the steps to come forward and give evidence at the October inquest on Mr Laurence.

Brighton and Hove city councillor Dawn Barnett had told waste contractor Onyx just two weeks before the tragedy that a number of people were complaining about the stairs, which are still in place.

Coun Barnett said: "They are literally lethal. The metal gets slippery if it is wet and there are no rubber treads or anything.

"A lot of mainly elderly people complained to me about them. Something needs to be done because in winter they will ice over and there will be more and more accidents."

People bringing rubbish to the recycling facility used to be able to drive their cars in and drop full rubbish sacks straight into the containers but the arrangement changed at the beginning of this year.

Since January they have had to carry rubbish up the metal steps between two recycling bins and lean over a bar to empty the sack.

Assistants are on hand to help people who have trouble carrying their rubbish up the stairs but Coun Barnett said there is not always someone there if they are on tea breaks or at lunch.

Friends of Nick Laurence said he was a spry and active man who carried on ski-ing until he was 80. He had three children and several grandchildren he enjoyed spending time with. His family and widow Eileen are reportedly considering legal action over his death.

A spokeswoman for Onyx said: "Onyx was deeply saddened by the death of Mr Lawrence.

"This site, like all others, has comprehensive health and safety procedures in place."

Neither Onyx nor the council would comment further because of the forthcoming inquest.

Coroner's officer Tony Beldam said: "We would like to hear from anyone who has had a trip or a fall at the recycling centre at Old Shoreham Road." Call Mr Beldam on 01273 665526.