As they have for years, county and local councils have always sought to make savings by service cutbacks.

For years I have tried to help when and where I could.

One way was to carry a small pair of secateurs which I used to prune tree branches that had encroached over the pavements at below head height.

Because of the law, I was unable to remove the prunings as they were the property of the trees owner – which meant the council had to clear up.

That, however, was more cost-effective than compensation arising from damage to eyes, faces or glasses from unpruned branches.

I reckon over the years I may have saved the councils hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation payments, and not even a thank you or reward!

D Pratt (Mr), Plantation Street, Accrington.