'Grit's not our fault'

Published 13 Jan 2010 12:00

I am writing with reference to letters and reports in last week's local media regarding gritting.

Councils, Governments and individual politicians are often the target of misdirected anger when people are frustrated and we accept this and get on with it.

In this case however, I cannot accept people blaming British, Scottish or local government for inclement weather.

As everyone is aware, or at least anyone who has seen a newspaper or any news programme, there is a national shortage of grit.

As such, our teams have to prioritise the areas receiving treatment.

I understand there have been specific problems in some areas, but these have been rectified as soon as was humanly possible.

This weather has taken all of us by surprise and across West Dunbartonshire, staff are doing their best to respond.

I have been told by people living and working in East Dunbartonshire and Glasgow that West Dunbartonshire's roads and pavements have been maintained to a much higher standard than other areas.

I would like to thank all of our staff, particularly those on the front line, both in roads services and our care services as well as our partners in health, the voluntary sector and the emergency services for working tirelessly in the most difficult conditions since the 1960s, to ensure that our most vulnerable people are safe and cared for during this crisis.

The local SNP website at www.wdcsnp.org is carrying the latest updates on our news page, and you can find the contact details of all your SNP councillors.

If you are having difficulties or you know a vulnerable person who is, do not hesitate to contact the council on 01389 737000.

Councillor Jonathan McColl, SNP Group secretary

Tweet

This letter appeared in Clydebank Post 13 Jan 10

Follow @clydebankpost

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Opinion archives.