Leader: Some see red over white out

Newsdesk • Published 24 Dec 2009 15:00 0 Comments

THE Christmas spirit of goodwill was in evidence last week when the ice age returned with a vengeance.

Stranded motorists helped each other, workmates walked home arm-in-arm, neighbours served refreshments to troubled travellers, supermarkets and hotels gave free shelter, ticketless commuters were even able to board trains unchecked, and complete strangers exchanged wry banter about global warming.

Unhappily the goodwill didn't stretch to our local authorities who bore the brunt of public fury as Berkshire's worst snowfalls for 23 years paralysed the area and literally put our daily routine on ice.

Certainly our councils appeared slow off the mark and, like everyone else, the ferocity of the blizzards caught them by surprise. The lack of roadside grit bins is something which should surely be rectified as soon as possible, but when the ice and slush finally clears it will be time for some crystal clear, forward thinking. Having fleets of snow ploughs, equipment and experts on permanent winter stand-by costs money; taxpayers' money.

Are we prepared to pay? Or just get angry.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 24 Dec 09

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