It is that time of year again when the great gritting debate is raging on.

Letters and emails have flowed into the Keighley News, ranging from stating “what a brilliant job” the gritting teams have done — to exactly the opposite.

Is it not time that people started living in the real world and got back to the basic reality that it snows and gets icy in winter and prepare for it? This constant moaning and groaning seems to increase as the years go by — with the attitude of many being that they have a right to have their path and road cleared by someone else.

Thankfully, there’s still a lot of people out there with the community spirit prepared to help others. Builder Lee Asquith has set a perfect example even though it has hit him hard in the pocket. Well done Lee (see page 4).

But whatever has happened to the actions of past times when those who could cleared the path outside their homes and businesses made sure pavements were at least salted?

It will be interesting to see next year what happens when the community grit bin scheme comes into operation.

Until that day comes and as long as the wintry weather continues we should all think of others — first and foremost the vulnerable and elderly.

We should all also “salute” the gritting teams for the work they are doing. They and the council are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

Have a peaceful and safe Christmas.