I MOVED to Skipton 12 months after living in Europe for several years. I had forgotten the gritting and snow clearing issues I remember from when I previously lived in the UK.

I see that major roads are cleared as essential, but my concern are the other roads around Skipton, where folks need to use their cars, small buses need to travel to pick up those, especially older residents like myself who don't drive or for whatever reason find the walk to town too difficult.

From my limited view from my home, the road I live on, there are several bungalows and carers attending, food deliveries, etc, it is vital the drivers can drive safely.

Recently it has been extremely hazardous with ice. Not even safe for older people to even walk in the road in their quest to go shopping by foot or by bus.

Each country (Italy and Austria) that I lived in, there were small gritters and snow ploughs keeping all roads clear and safe. Each town having their own equipment.

Could this not be considered for Skipton? I'm sure it would also prevent falls and fractures, car accidents and help our hospitals which always struggle in the winter.

Maybe this preventing many people getting out during this lockdown may indirectly be a blessing, but also a hindrance as seen recently when many could not access their anti Covid vaccine. It would be wonderful if Skipton set a great example to the rest of the UK and safer for us too.

Jean Worthington.

Skipton.