LOCAL authorities have a lot to answer for – according to disgruntled business owners and residents, who were less than impressed with their response to the recent big freeze.

LOCAL authorities have a lot to answer for - according to disgruntled business owners and residents, who were less than impressed with their response to the recent big freeze.

Grit bins went unfilled, public car parks were left untreated and many workers were left trapped in their homes, unable to reach main roads to drive to work.

Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to discuss some of the complaints at its next meeting.

Some small traders claim takings went down because snow and ice was left on pavements in High Street for too long.

"Pavements were not cleared quickly enough," said David Hayler, chairman of the chamber.

"They were only cleared later on, when the hand spreaders came along, but, even then, it was not consistent through the High Street."

Council rethink

Angry motorists demanded to know why East Devon District Council still charged them to park on virtual ice rinks.

Grit wasn't laid because the council feared its insurers would not pay up if a claim was made following an accident.

But, after listening to council tax payers' concerns, a new policy document is to be drawn up for councillors to consider.

Corporate director Peter Jeffs has been given the job of costing a wider gritting exercise, taking in all public places, including car parks, where there is a perceived danger.

A council spokeswoman told the Herald: "A policy document is being drawn up for the gritting of public places.

"It has got to go through a formal process and is unlikely to be implemented this winter.

"We are certainly not ignoring people's concerns."

WHAT do you think? Were public car parks safe to be used following the recent snow? Tell your Herald.