Snow-free footpaths for Thames Ditton and Weston Green
After years without significant snow, we've had two years when heavy snowfalls have made life difficult for pedestrians, especially the frail or disabled. A little planning for self-help is advocated. Member Richard Lanigan with support from the Association's executive is nominated Head Snowman to see whether we can galvanise and organise willing residents against future snowfalls, and perhaps to secure special snow shovels to go with salt grit from Surrey. There are some volunteers already, and we encourage others to step forward.

The 2009 Winter edition of Thames Ditton Today had a beautiful picture of a snowy scene in Thames Ditton from the previous February. Not nearly as picturesque but more neighbourly and safer, would be to clear the snow from that footpath (which a few residents later did).

Having lived in Denmark for 12 years, it is normal for me to clear snow that falls on the footpath outside our house. It is not difficult if done soon after the snow has fallen, a coarse brush is all you need to clear an inch of snow. In fact I was not in the country when the first snow fell this year and my partner Janette and six year old daughter Isabelle cleared the snow and spread rock salt on our path

snow clearance

The important thing is to clear the snow before people have walked and compacted it into the footpath, so you may have to get up 20 minutes early on that day. Do not use hot water it will turn to ice very quickly. Snow and ice on footpaths has been a major source of discussion this winter and I have sympathy for the views expressed by the SNP councillor who told residents in Edinburgh they should clear their own footpaths.

Removing the snow from footpaths used to be the custom in the UK but recently for a variety of reasons the British public have stopped doing it, resulting in many more over 50s ending up in A&E. The Daily Mail recently published an article advising people "How to fall."

There are many elderly people living in our community and I have contacted our Residents Association with a view to starting a campaign to get residents in Surrey to commit to clearing snow from the footpath outside their houses on the rare occasions it does snow in Surrey. I have contacted Surrey County Council asking if there were any legal reasons why people should not clear the snow from their footpaths, there are none. This is their response.

"We have been informed by our legal department that if members of the public decide to clear ice and snow from outside their home or shop, there is no reason why they should be liable to anyone who subsequently falls on the surface they have cleared, unless they have created an obstruction or anything else that could predictably cause an injury. For example, if hot water is used in clearing the ice and snow, it is foreseeable that this could create more ice. Or if a mound of snow is left on the path or road, this could cause an obstruction.  

"Straightforward clearance is perfectly in order. As with any other action, members of the public should act sensibly and consider the effect their actions might have on other people. As long as snow is cleared responsibly and without causing further risk for passers-by, there would be no liability".

Surrey council can also provide residents with grit bins. To coordinate this project in Thames Ditton and Weston Green requires a "Snowman" or woman for each road or set of a few roads to ensure that on these rare occasions at least one snow shovel and a few brushes are available and the grit bin is full. Some people will be too elderly to clear the snow and in some neighbourhoods and in other neighbourhoods there are no houses facing the footpath. In these area we will try to get funding for casual labour to clear these paths as requested by the "Snowman".

I am delighted to announce the residents of Lime Tree Avenue (the Thames Ditton side) are the first Thames Ditton & Weston Green residents to commit to clearing the next snow to fall. There are about 110 roads in Thames Ditton & Weston Green and if you are prepared to help coordinate the clearing on your road please contact richard@spinaljoint.com . You could also register your support for this campaign on the Facebook group "Snow Free Footpaths For Surrey"

Thanking local residents in anticipation of your support.

Richard Lanigan