Sir, – I am well aware of North Yorkshire County Council's latest gritting policy but it doesn’t work for a huge number of people. I, like many other people, live in Wensleydale on what the council has designated Priority 2 & 3 roads.

Here’s a subtle hint: To access the Priority 1 roads, which the council says it aims to keep clear, it is necessary to use the Priority 2 and 3 roads. Furthermore, I know it may be a difficult concept for some county councillors to grasp, but the weather here can often be more inclement than in other parts of the county.

The snowy weather was forecast for Sunday, March 1, well in advance, yet roads had not been gritted when I used the A684 from the West at 6pm on Sunday. Even the bus route to Garsdale Railway Station was treacherous. Despite that, I managed to get to Bainbridge, but was unable to travel more than a mile and had to leave the car at the side of the road. It was snowing hard at this point.

I could have been there for a considerable time, possibly suffering hypothermia and without mobile telephone reception had it not been for a gentleman in a four-wheel drive vehicle coming to the rescue. As it is I am traumatised by the event.

Today the road is still not sufficiently clear for me to rescue my car.

On many days this winter, which has not been particularly severe, I have had cancelled travel arrangements for the fear of not being able to get home. My fears have been justified.

Is the conclusion that I can no longer live here without a four-wheel drive vehicle? If so, is the county council going to provide me with one? Moreover, is the county council able to guarantee that all residents in Wensleydale are accessible for the emergency services? Or are those residents also Priority 2 or 3? I which case, will there be different council tax rate too?

P A WEST

Countersett, Leyburn.