Comment on Children sledge and parents groan from pages 6-7

IT'S "snow" fun to wake up in the morning and find that you can't leave your house.

And on Sunday morning of this week, this was the reality for some Sevenoaks residents, who dread the prospect of snow.

Peter Low, of Middlings Rise, has a particular reason for hating the onset of the white stuff. He suffers from vasculitis, which affects his immune system.

When the frosty weather hits, Mr Low worries an ambulance would not be able to come through for him.

He has raised the issue with Kent County Council but claims to have had no response.

His residents association picked up nine new grit bins, but no salt is provided for them by the council.

At times such as these it is easy to blame the authorities for what we deem to be a lack of preparation for such an event.

Perhaps a better formal contingency plan could be in place to help vulnerable people who are at serious risk from icy weather.

The reality is that snow, while fun for a short time, will always be a huge inconvenience, delaying traffic and causing travel disruption.

The NHS are always quick to urge able-bodied residents to keep an eye on those who are less able to cope.

To an extent, such acts of kindness will always be a necessary accompaniment to council-clearing operations and official snow strategies.

Staff, parents and volunteers at Russell House School in Otford were a shining example this week.

To ensure the school was open for children, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Luckily Sevenoaks got off lightly this time and hopefully that was the last of it.

Some daffodils have already sprung up and after so much hype, the Olympic and Diamond Jubilee celebrations are not far away now.

But first things first – Valentine's Day, a source of much amusement in the office this week.

The NHS sent out a press release encouraging residents of the area to enjoy the physical side of their relationships.

We're told it's good for the heart, immune system and blood pressure.

But who needs encouragement? Last time there was heavy snow there was a significant rise in the birth rate, what with couples being trapped inside.

Apparently they preferred indoor recreation to cross-country skiing!