BLACKBURN with Darwen Borough Council's apology (LET, January 1) for their inability to grit roads over the weekend is merely words.

What we need is action and a formulated plan to combat adverse weather affecting local roads, since this lack of gritting seems a far too common annual occurrence.

As a railway worker, I had to go to work on Saturday night and local roads, including ring roads, were almost impassable.

My thoughts went to the emergency services who may need to respond rapidly to a call and would be severely delayed due to the road conditions.

The council needs to understand that the roads have to be kept in a safe condition in order for the public and emergency services to travel.

Gritting of roads is an essential activity, not an inconvenience which will go away as the ice and snow thaw.

DAVID INMAN, Oakwood

Avenue, Blackburn.