• IT was lovely to wake up to see the first heavy snowfall in Hampstead for a couple of years.

But as I got to the high street the cars and people had turned the pristine snow into part-slush, making it very slippy to walk on.

We could all help each other if we could at least clear the front of our pavements.

I did see some people do that, including a resident in Church Row who had energetically cleared the whole length of pavement outside his house.

Camden in the past had given free snow shovels, and I checked if this was still the case.

Camden confirmed that they will issue shovels to resident and voluntary groups; they say they will do all they can to keep major roads and footpaths clear, but local groups can really help to keep everything, and everyone (particularly the less mobile of us) moving. Fortunately Camden had already filled and put down grit bins for public use that can be found on our street corners.

To get hold of a shovel, email street.environment@camden.gov.uk or pick one up in person Monday to Friday, between 10am and 3pm, from 211 Arlington Road. NW1 7HD. In isolated cases they can arrange to deliver to community groups.

Enjoy Christmas, and any snow, but please help to keep our pavements safe.

LINDA CHUNG
Hampstead, NW3