SIR – I have just read of the record numbers seeking attention in the district’s A&E departments over Christmas (T&A, December 30) and having tentatively negotiated the daily morning journey to and from my local paper shop for my T&A, on reading the above report it crossed my mind that certain words and phrases such as “snow fell”, “temperatures plunged” and “icy conditions” made me wonder if they were perhaps in some way relevant to the high numbers attending?

I wondered if perhaps among the high number were some who were seeking treatment as victims of the virtually non-existent consideration for pedestrians underfoot, resulting in a fall or plunge in the icy conditions? Along some of the “glassy” stretches of independent walkways and pavements?

I salute the Highways gritting department for their successful efforts in keeping the main roads and minor access roads “mobile” in this high area . . . . at times the overwhelming temptation to walk along the ice-free edges is not recommended, particularly at busy times.

So, during periods of wintry conditions wouldn’t it pay to consider a minor form of gritting to reduce possible numbers of non-life threatening injuries?

Keith Sivyer, Dalecroft Rise, Allerton