Sir, – I am writing in response to Andrew Harburn’s letter (Tough for Firms, D&S, Dec 10). I live above Low Row and work for Richmond District Council Grounds Maintenence.

I, and many other council workers, have gone to great lengths to ensure I got to work during the severe weather. I would like to emphasise that not all manual council workers were sent home at 9.30am. The grounds maintenance team was working, clearing the snow in the car parks in Richmondshire, throughout each day so that people could use the local businesses.

We were also filling salt bins so that members of the public could also treat any slippery patches.

I would not expect to be abused, both verbally and physically, and prevented from proceding while trying to do my job, but that is exactly what happened when myself and a colleague went to fill a salt bin on the Gatherley Road trading estate.

I can understand that people get frustrated when they feel that the weather is impacting on their businesses, but to abuse council staff who are working hard, in difficult conditions, is not the reaction I feel we deserve from some business owners.

The Government at the moment is trying to encourage a “bigger community” attitude and, with cutbacks being enforced across many areas of the district, perhaps people should start thinking about how they can help themselves and others around, rather than looking for someone to blame and take frustrations out on.

In council uniform, we appear to be seen by some as targets for aggression. But without some of the services we provide, things would be a lot worse.

GRAHAM STAVELEY Low Row, Swaledale.