Householders taking the advice of the Association of British Insurers could find a roller screed a useful way of levelling concrete paths ready for a crunchy top layer of gravel.

Malcolm Tarling, spokesman for the insurance industry association, says a gravel path is one way of improving home security since the clocks have gone back.

The loose upper covering offers a crunchy warning when somebody is approaching the property - and could alert homeowners to intruders during dark winter evenings.

A roller screed could help to simplify the process of laying a gravel path, by allowing a smooth, level concrete foundation layer to be put in place to retain the loose stones.

Meanwhile, Mr Tarling suggests some other methods of ensuring security that can respond to the presence of any unwanted visitors.

They include exterior security lamps with motion sensors capable of switching them on when somebody passes within their field of vision.

Posted by Andrew Miles