08/01/10 - Gritting the path outside your house could see you facing legal action

Paul Bristow, Prospective Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland, emailed Redcar & Cleveland Council asking for advice on gritting the dangerous icy pavement.  The Area Management Directorate responded stating:

"Rock salt can be purchased at most DIY stores, but due to the demand they may have sold out.  As an alternative we have been advised that cooking salt or cat litter can be used with the same effect.  You could run the risk of any legal action should anyone hurt themselves as a result of gritting the pavement yourself.  The council cannot be responsible for any actions you take yourself, however if you would the council to grit the pathway I can put a request through but cannot advise on how long this will take.''

Responding to this email Paul commented:

"I think it is sad state of affairs that health and safety laws are designed to discourage residents clearing ice from outside their own homes and their neighbours.  I do not blame the council or officers as no doubt they are following health and safety guidelines.

“We should be trying to encourage Teesside's well known community and neighbourly spirit to help get us through this bad spell of weather rather fostering a fear of litigation.  The last thing we want is people worried about whether they might face legal action for trying to ensure elderly and vulnerable people do not hurt themselves on our very treacherous pavements."  

Please see below the email exchange from earlier this week.

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To: paulbristow@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: Gritting Pavements
From: contactus@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 15:31:59 +0000


Dear Mr Bristow

Thank you for your e-mail.

Rock salt can be purchased at most DIY stores, but due to the demand they may have sold out.  As an alternative we have been advised that cooking salt or cat litter can be used with the same effect.  You could run the risk of any legal action should anyone hurt themselves as a result of gritting the pavement yourself.  The council cannot be responsible for any actions you take yourself, however if you would the council to grit the pathway I can put a request through but cannot advise on how long this will take.

Kind regards


Customer Services and Libraries
Area Management Directorate
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Redcar and Cleveland House
Kirkleatham Street
Redcar
TS10 1RT

Paul Bristow 05/01/2010 11:39

To:                 cc:                 Subject:        Gritting Pavements

To Whom it May Concern,

I would like to grit the path on Coatham Road, Redcar.  Can you let me know where I can get the salt from and what other issues I should be aware of.  Am I allowed to do this and what happens if someone should fall outside my property?

Best wishes

Paul Bristow

Coatham Road, Redcar.