KEITH MITCHELL is right in sentiment (if a little wrong in manners) when responding to complaints about a perceived lack of action in clearing away ice and snow.

There is too much sitting on hands with people expecting officialdom (in this case Oxfordshire County Council) to do everything for them, including wiping their noses, in these cold conditions.

Mr Mitchell is correct bemoaning that the British spirit which defeated Hitler through its refusal to be cowed during the Second World War has diminished over time.

We are in the middle of a cold snap and southern parts of the county did get a good covering of snow before Christmas.

But it was hardly a huge climatic event that people can’t overcome by being sensible, flexible and putting in a bit of effort for the community.

The council has hardly been found wanting through the kind of incompetence that brought the neighbouring towns of Reading and Basingstoke to a halt, so we can understand Mr Mitchell’s frustration.

With the cold weather lingering, it is time for people to show they can do their bit for the common good and not just moan from the sidelines.