Forced on to dangerous, icy roads by precautionary train cancellations
SIR – This week Greater Anglia cancelled trains because of “snow”. This was done on Monday, before the snow had really fallen.
All trains to the coast from Norwich – three lines – were cancelled, leaving country folk to use dangerous icy roads.
How did the Victorians manage to run trains in snow and now we are unable to? David Leathart
Watton, Norfolk
SIR – Now that the weather has turned snowy, may I be the first to thank the railway companies for the many announcements warning passengers that floors may be slippery. Mark Solon
London E1
SIR – How saddening to hear of a school banning children from touching snow (Leading article, February 28).
I have happy memories of building snow defences at my Leicestershire primary school in the Seventies. They’d be sculpted at break for the ensuing battle at lunchtime.
Leadership and teamwork skills were developed, not to mention throwing and dodging abilities, which translated well on to the sports field.
If we left our wellies neatly we were allowed to dry our woollen gloves on the classroom heaters ready for a home-time re-match. Frances Williams
Swindon, Wiltshire
SIR – One wonders why winter weather has seen so many schools shut. I think we may find the problem is that teachers prefer to live in a different area from pupils, and especially their parents, and it is they who struggle to commute.
Perhaps we should introduce a rule
that requires teachers, not just children, to live in the catchment area. Then schools might stay open when there’s an inch of snow. Dr David Cottam
Montauriol, Lot-et-garonne, France
SIR – In spite of the heavy snow and ice, my morning paper and milk were delivered as usual. Jane Davidson
Balderton, Nottinghamshire
SIR – Patrick Tracey (Letters, February 28) seeks non-slip footwear. He could try what I have successfully done.
I bought a pair of traction soles, offering metal spikes to the slippery surface. The soles simply stretch over your usual shoes. Just remember to
take them off before walking indoors and acupuncturing your nice floor. Terry Parkhouse
Haslemere, Surrey
SIR – Pull on a nylon stocking over each shoe. You’ll be perfectly non-slip. Marion Wilcocks
Beare Green, Surrey
SIR – I acquired my non-slip shoes from the Telegraph shop during the last snow event, several years ago. The delivery of them brought warm sunshine.
The Telegraph can have a magical effect on the weather. I really must try to find them. Sue Doughty
Twyford, Berkshire