Responsibility of county
Some sound suggestions were made regarding the danger during the extended periods of snow (letters, January 22).
Greater coordination is essential to allow people to carry on with work and getting provisions.
For many, it wasn't simply the pavements. Against its own policy, ESCC failed to clear bus routes sufficiently for many local buses to run for several days.
For instance, those on the Malling Estate who couldn't get their cars out had no alternative but to struggle on frozen roads or pavements to Old Malling Way (treated, but apparently not enough for buses to run safely), then walk in the road, taking the long route into town as the shortcut lane was a ski run.
For those in the older age group, trekking up the hill with shopping created many physical problems.
It is not possible for ESCC to do everything without increasing the rates, but positive alternatives were presented by your readers.
What isn't acceptable is the apparent disregard ESCC showed for the problem this caused hospitals and surgeries, nor to read (in an earlier edition) one councillor berating Eurostar for not coping while ESCC excused its own failings.
It also demonstrated how postponing necessary resurfacing. eg Church Lane into Old Malling Way, where signs went up last summer, removed some weeks later with nothing having been done; both are now in a shocking condition.
Daily life no longer operates as before. Many work further from home, too many small local shops have been superceded by supermarkets which operate less locally, post offices have closed, public transport is less comprehensive.
If such weather patterns occur with greater frequency, as we're warned is possible we need a serious approach to enabling people to conduct their lives.
As in Canada, businesses and householders should clear pavements outside their premises, with the council responsible for those who can't or where there are no buildings (let's dispel what I'm told is an urban myth about being sued if you clear your path).
Bus routes must be treated sufficiently for buses to run, especially to discourage individuals from driving when possible. We must accept our own responsibility, including acceptance that a small increase in rates may be necessary.While we must accept our own responsibility, including acceptance that a small increase in rates may be necessary, ESCC should take responsibility for considering and coordinating all options seriously.
Janet Mortimer, Lewes
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Weather for Lewes
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
