“having lived in a public house we were advised(told!) not to attempt to clear pathways /entrances /car park etc or even put grit down because if you dont either dont do a good enough job or everywhere freezes again and becomes slippy etc if someone falls over etc they can sue you !!! so its best to leave things how nature intended apparently :(”

“We've Been Told Exactly The Same, If We Attempt To Move The Snow In Any Way And Someone Slips We Then Become Liable. If It Is Left How Nature Deposits It And Someone Slips We Aren't Liable Because It's An Act Of God.... Stupid But That Apparently Is How The Law Works....”

“Absolutely wrong!! Unfortunately we live in an age of "it's someone elses fault" and people are scared of being sued. This is an extract from the Directgov website: "Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself Anyone can clear snow and ice from the pavement outside their home or public spaces to prevent slips and falls. Follow the snow code to clear snow and ice safely.Don't be put off clearing paths because you're afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.

Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively.

And don't believe the myths - it's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries if you have cleared the path carefully."
That's just to head off all the 'elf'n'safety gone mad brigade.”

“Of course not! Unless there is a substantial build up of snow it can often be safer to leave well alone - in zero temperatures the cleared area can become a skating rink!
Different people have different problems- especially if they are old or infirm- and should not be compelled to do their own clearing anyway.
Also, If people with a similar mentality to those who judged Robert Huth's appeal have to decide your fate, you stand no chance. That question should be binned!!”

“The problem is that the era or compensation and vulturish lawyers means that everyone is too scared to do anything for fear of being sued. We need a return to common sense instead of cash. Why not just get all the personal injury lawyers and force them to carry out these cases without such margins?”

“Of course we should do our bit to clear the pavements and paths near our houses, and anyone too infirm to do it should get help from the council if they are going to bring in a law.

People used to be proud to clear 'their bit' in the streets of terraced houses, and those who didn't bother were looked on as being lazy. Remember how amazed we oldies were when we read that doctors in America would never help an ill or injured person because of the risk of being sued. Well their silly ways soon came over here.
Bags of salt/grit are not that expensive for any pub owner or anyone else. Cheap bags of salt would also do the trick for householders.

If I went to my local supermarket and they had not put salt and grit down when it was obviously icy I wouldn't get out of my car. So if supermarkets do it, why not public houses?”

“in a word . NO !!!
where in the world has common sense gone ?? the government pretty much rules every thing that takes place in today's society in England. When are the sheep going to stop following the socialist government and get them out of your lives instead of the insane control they have over them already !A once great and proud nation reduced to idiotic things like this, and a thousand other ways government control lives in England !!”

“This is all very confusing. You see, I've used this excuse for years. I just hope my missus doesn't read these posts.”

“Of course not. Not only is it often impracticle, it could be impossible for some people. If you are not allowed to defend your own property without risking breaking the law, I don't see why it should become an offence to not clear a path”

“this may come as a shock to alot of you but councils in england scotland and wales are not duty bound to clear the snow or even grit the roads, the only reason they do it is so that HGV's (and other logistics) public transport and emergancy services can keep running "effeciently".
also if you are to clear the snow outside of your own property and someone else was to slip you may very well find yourself within a court of law.”

“My answer to that is no.

Its my private land outside my house to do with as a please. People come onto the land to visit at their own risk. If a path is cleared then you may not see black ice and slip. If you see the white stuff you know to be careful.”

“No. It's an act of god that it is there. It's his mess, he can clear it. :)”

“Soccerfoot:
Am not sure how Prime Minister David Cameron (Conservative) would react to your comment
re. Socialist government :-
'When are the sheep going to stop following the socialist government and get them out of your lives'”

“No, if it is a single house, and the path only leads to your house and only needs to be used by yourself, then I think you should be allowed to keep it in a condition you see fit. Might be a pain though if something needs to delivered :P”

“The council own the pavement and are in charge of the upkeep of the public road.

It's not my job to grit the road and remove the snow. If some clumbsy fool falls over outside my house and tried to blame me, I would point them in the direction of the town hall.”

“I think a public flogging would be acceptable and a chance for communities to flock together and ridicule their neighbour. Good Saturday afternoon entertainment.....maybe we could extend it to Boy Racers/Chav's etc....not enough hours in the day :-)”