IN the article Diy salt stockpile call to tackle snow, (Oxford Mail, July 5) it was said that communities should stockpile bags of salt at their own expense to help clear snow when needed.

But very little mention was made of the fact that we are already paying for the salt in the first place.

Salt bins were also mentioned, and the fact that people were taking the salt away in cars which, at first glance would appear to be wrong, but salt bins are not always near the problem areas.

In Horspath, where many elderly people have to walk to the village shop, salt needs to be collected from elsewhere, to clear the footpaths for the sake of those elderly people and others.

That means getting it out of bins and transporting it – if someone is willing to do it. Also, if you look around the county when we have bad snow you will notice that every car park and footpath around council offices is completely clear of snow.

Last time we had snow, I counted four men, one lorry and one digger clearing a council office car park when all roads in the area were virtually impassable. Unless, like me you have a gas-guzzling 4x4. So, before people, including councillors, start getting ideas about how we should pay twice for salt, they should get their priorities right and stop thinking about themselves all the time and instead think of those less fortunate.

KEITH BROOKS Gateley Horspath Oxford