I have something in common with Jack Straw in that, during the period of snow and ice, I received many complaints from residents about the lack of gritting which I answered truthfully and helped where possible.

I also got told, on more than one occasion, that the people of Meadowhead were being left to suffer whilst grit was being delivered to, and spread around, mosques.

I refused to follow up these stories without detailed evidence and told my informants that such cheap shots were only to be expected when things were difficult.

Our MP surprised me by saying that “other towns” managed better, as this does not seem his normal style unless, of course, he really was electioneering.

Brian Gordon Conservative councillor, Meadowhead Ward