SIR — Last year, when the weather was at its worst, the residents at the top end of Wedlakes were marooned for four days, unable to venture out because of the icy conditions underfoot.

This year, they decided to be prepared and sent a request to the town council for a salt bin to be placed in the turning point on the pavement were nobody walks.

After deliberations and liaison with Somerset County Council, the town council agreed to purchase a bin, at great expense, for Wedlakes.

Highways, in their wisdom, decided the bin should be placed on the pavement outside a house at the bottom of the hill, causing an obstruction to the walkway. This was pointed out to them but they persisted in their view, saying the bin was for all the residents, not just those at the top. This was never in dispute.

The bin was duly delivered and set up only for the owner of the house to object to it. The town council then said 'OK then, we won't put a bin there anyway if we can't put it where we say it should go'.

So now at 'great expense' the council has a grit bin surplus to requirements and everyone is a loser. What price people power and neighbourliness?

Nancy Armitage,

Wedlakes,