WE often hear sarcastic remarks being made about the weather in our region.

You know, you've heard them: "Is it true that all Boltonians have webbed feet?" or: "People in Bolton never get sun-tanned, they just go rusty."

But what about our weather this winter! While many parts of the country have suffered, we, once again have missed most of the worst of the weather, or have, so far at least.

However, even the modest amount of snow that has fallen in Bolton this winter, has been enough to highlight the problems caused by ungritted streets.

Only last week, when no more than a light covering of snow lay in our Grove, the binmen were unable to get round.

That didn't pose much of a problem, because they came round the next day.

But that would not have been the case had it been an ambulance, or a fire engine that had been unable to get round.

It is essential that all residential streets are accessible at all times for obvious reasons and it is not acceptable that councils ignore their moral duty simply because they are not legally responsible.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton