WOODS HIGHLIGHTS WINTER CONCERNS

12.00.00am GMT Wed 11th Nov 2009

Following the news that the local health trust will help fund the County Council's gritting scheme over the next two years, Lib Dem councillor Carol Woods has called for guarantees to be made over the spending of the money. She has also highlighted Council policy which refuses to refill salt bins and the legal uncertainty that could leave people liable if they attempt to clear paths themselves.

Carol said,

"In a year in which our Council tax bills rose despite promises they wouldn't, I can understand people asking why the health service is having to contribute to the gritting scheme.

"If Council finances had been properly managed this work would be funded by the Council. However, now the money has been allocated, local people must be assured that it is properly accounted for. The agreement is that this will pay for work above and beyond the Council's normal scheme and that roads and paths that would otherwise be untreated will be gritted this year.

"I'm very aware that Council has still not put forward a clear business plan to ensure that this money is spent appropriately and I would like to know what arrangements have been made to ensure it is paid back if we have a mild winter and the call for gritting work is less than expected."

Carol continued, "The Council is also making it very difficult for local communities to help themselves. If I, as a

County Councillor, want to have a salt bin installed in one of the villages I represent the cost is £300 and when the salt runs out local residents are expected to refill it themselves from a central depot. How on earth they are meant to transport the salt is unclear. Surely the council should be performing this duty.

"There also exists the problem of legal liability if someone slips and injures themselves. We are in the crazy situation whereby a friendly neighbour who clears the snow in their street could end up being sued if someone then slips. If you leave the front of your property icy and dangerous there is no responsibility but if you try to do a good deed you can find yourself in court.

"It is high time this madness was tackled. Icy paths and roads not only cause very serious injuries, they also trap many of the most vulnerable people in their homes, too afraid or simply unable to venture out on the treacherous footpaths."