Currie and Balerno News 353
1 February 2010
As I write this Edinburgh, and indeed the whole country, is in the grip of the deep freeze. By the time you read this who knows, it may be over but again perhaps we are in for a long winter. The Balerno Farmer's market was a casualty for understandable reasons. And many residents have complained that side streets aren't being gritted with some fearful of slipping on pavements.
Of course every time it snows we always ask how it is that the country appears to grind to a halt. People say other countries can cope, why can't we?
Having been secretary of state for transport some years ago I can see both sides of this. And it has to be said that whether it's in Eastern Europe or America when the snow falls rapidly and intensely, there isn't a transport system in the world that doesn't sometimes grind to a halt.
However there are always going to be arguments about how much salt local authorities should hold. When Edinburgh Airport runs out of de-icing material people understandably say how come you didn't have more in reserve.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing but perhaps if we started thinking about snow and freezing conditions as something to be expected in the winter then we could take it better in our stride.
People do go to work and attend school when it snows. Yes, it's difficult but we get on with it. But I think this winter shows that government, councils and others need to ensure that they are as well prepared as possible so that we treat the arrival of snow as we do the arrival of gales or driving rain. That's what happens in Scottish winters. I am not blaming anyone. But as a country perhaps we should go into next winter, yes, better prepared but with the right equipment and the right supplies to deal with what are after all are perfectly normal occurrences.
And in the meantime let's not forget that for some, particularly children, the first white Christmas for many, many years the opportunity to sledge and ski. Snow does have its compensations.
As ever, as we go into New Year I look forward to meeting as many as readers as possible and hearing from you if you wish to get in touch.
