We should spare a thought for those gritting the roads across Oxfordshire. The conditions have been especially severe, particularly in length of time. Those operating the gritting service must sometimes think it is a thankless task. They can never do enough to satisfy everyone.

They have, however, been working non-stop for a long time time to keep our roads as clear as they are.

It is more sensible to reflect on whether the gritting operation we have is sufficient to our needs.

It is one thing to complain that roads have not been gritted, it is another to be prepared to pay the extra in council tax that will be needed to ensure all roads can be gritted, or, the more likely prospect, to forgo some other services in order for more roads to be kept free of ice.

Ultimately, it is a political choice that has to be made on behalf of us all.