I have the same problem on my 97 Defender, I think it's just a matter of just getting used to it as it is a feature of the Defender. I would recommend keeping an eye on the footwells and bulkhead though to ensure no rust is setting in.
Could somebody tell me please what is the best tool to undo the screws holding the hinges to the bulkhead on my 300TDi. I think they are PZ3 and I have successfully snapped 3 bits trying to undo them after putting loads of WD30 on them.
Cheers