NOW that the snow has finally melted of its own accord and warmer days are with us, isn’t it time for local councils to tidy up the mess left following their belated attempts to clear the streets?

While piles of grit on street corners may have been useful when there was snow, these are now cluttering up our pavements.

Road salt leaves a dirty mess when snow melts which wreaks havoc on carpets when it is trodden in on shoes and boots.

It also damages car bodywork.

They are also providing a target for children to amuse themselves by spreading the stuff further and, in some cases, even throwing it at passing vehicles.

Let’s get this filthy stuff off our pavements and back in the council depot.

John Eoin Douglas, Edinburgh.