I WOULD like to thank Durham county councillors Bob Young and Brian Stephens (respective cabinet members for strategic environment and neighbourhoods and local partnerships) and the whole of the council workforce who worked diligently throughout the holiday period trying to keep our roads clear during the adverse weather conditions.

Special thanks to the county’s strategic highways manager, Dave Wilcox, who has kept councillors updated via email on the weather conditions gritting programme, salt bin replenishments and workforce programmes.

Thanks also to staff from Ferryhill Town Council who have worked in conjunction with the county council to keep Ferryhill town centre clear.

This has been a real testing time because of the diminishing salt supplies, but our men have worked round the clock while many of us enjoyed a seasonal holiday.

Grit bins have been filled as necessary, but due to theft of salt this has caused added problems.

The disruption on rubbish collection was understandable and all efforts are being made to catch up.

Councillor Brian Avery, Chilton Division, Durham County Council.

ALTHOUGH the recent snow created dreadful problems for many, some of the magnificent views I have seen while out walking have been breathtaking – truly Christmas card scenes.

For briefest time when the snow first began to fall, it was not marred by the piles of dog dirt I had to avoid every few feet on one later day. I stopped counting at 70, all within a few hundred yards.

A beautiful winter walk ruined by inconsiderate dog owners. I am sure Leadgate was not the only village covered in it, but I believe it is one of the worst.

Ann Allison, Leadgate, Consett, Co Durham.