COUNCILLORS in neighbouring Norfolk tonight called for community spirit in helping tackle snow and ice, as the county braces itself for more extreme weather. They were dismayed that many people were reluctant to lend a helping hand because of unfounded wo

COUNCILLORS in neighbouring Norfolk tonight called for community spirit in helping tackle snow and ice, as the county braces itself for more extreme weather.

They were dismayed that many people were reluctant to lend a helping hand because of unfounded worries that they would become liable if someone slipped and fell on an area they tried to clear.

More snow forecast for tomorrow - with a risk of rising winds and drifting - is likely to keep winter workforces and gritters across the Fens fully occupied treating main roads.

Members of Norfolk County Council's planning, transportation, environment and waste overview and scrutiny panel also called on residents, shopkeepers and businesses to help where they can with clearing newly-fallen snow from paths and pavements to prevent ice build-up.

Adrian Gunson, Norfolk County Council Cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "On occasion, it can snow and blow everywhere at once, and while our gritters and snowploughs will be out day and night there is a limit to what they can do.

"It is vital that they keep the 1,900 miles of priority roads clear, otherwise nothing can move, but that does mean that town centre pavements have to wait.

"We really do want to get the message out that people can take community spirited action to make public areas safer.

"By taking sensible steps such as sweeping newly-fallen snow from pavements outside shops or houses before it can compact into ice, they won't make themselves liable for any slips or falls that might happen afterwards.

"Of course they have got to use a bit of common sense and make sure they inadvertently don't make things worse. With temperatures so low, pouring a kettle of boiling water on to a frozen pavement would be very ill-advised because it would soon freeze."

The county council yesterday (Tuesday) took delivery of 1,600 tonnes of gritting salt by ship in King's Lynn, meaning that there is enough for the immediate future.