I do not think that anyone will disagree with Tracey Glyn-Jones, when she says that "the team of operatives on the gritters have done a commendable job over the winter, and all the main streets of Bolton were gritted during and before each episode of bad weather".

But, of course, I wasn't talking about main roads. I was talking about the many residential streets that are left untreated every winter.

I made the point that even after the modest fall of snow, the binmen had not been able to get round our Grove, and had that been an ambulance, or a fire engine, then it could have been much more serious.

Tracey tells me that if I am worried about ice and snow in our street, I should report it, and if a gritter is physically able to grit our street, it will be done.

Well that's good to know!

So if there is a fire in our grove, or if someone suffers a serious injury, or a heart attack, one snowy morning, would Tracey suggest that I phone for a gritter before I call the emergency services?

If gritters are available to pop out to residential streets on request, as Tracey says they are, would it not be simpler to grit these streets routinely?

Accidents and heart attacks happen all the time, and lives are put at risk every winter, for the sake of a sprinkling of sand and salt.

As residents are advised not to clear snow and ice from the front of their homes for fear of litigation, maybe people doing community service could be put to work on gritting pavements in residential areas, especially where there are elderly or infirm residents.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton