I RECENTLY walked around Spennymoor during icy conditions and found that certain paths were dangerous to walk on.

I reported the Valley Burn path to Spennymoor Town Council and I was disappointed that it is unable to grit this path, which is a much-used pedestrian walkway to the lower town centre shops.

The council used to keep it clear some years ago.

In addition, the road and path in Dickens Street was covered in black ice. I reported this to Durham County Council, which informed me that it has since been gritted.

The Ox Close School to Mayfields path also needs gritting in freezing weather. I have arranged to have a grit bin placed outside the school for that purpose.

My survey exposes the extent to which towns throughout County Durham are left to fend for themselves when bad weather leaves pathways dangerously slippery.

I hope that local councils are more able to deal with these icy or snow bound paths after they do priority routes.

County councillor Ben Ord, Spennymoor