Sir – Let’s organise some plans for next time! It is all very well to moan about the weather; it’s a British pastime and hobby.

All local roads and shopping areas have been icy and dangerous but if each of us had bought a couple of 50 kg bags of salt/grit from the local DIY builders outlet in the autumn and kept it in our shed for spreading when the snow and ice fell; then we would be able to move around without fear of slipping and sliding. We need to be more self-reliant in villages and towns to deal ourselves with these conditions.

Local government clearly do not have the manpower and equipment to clear snow from the whole of rural Oxfordshire. Perhaps each parish council should organise a small volunteer force that springs into action in the case of such events, especially if those with 4X4 vehicles and tractors were prepared to help spread some salt.

It would also be a good idea for shops in Witney to do the same.

It doesn’t take much time to spread some salt that was held ready in store.

You do not really need to shovel it all away; the salt will do the job for you. So remember during next flaming June; go out and buy a couple of large bags of salt/grit ready for that heavy snowfall coming up in December/January.

Pete Leigh, Freeland