Residents of North Yorkshire have been given guidance over whether or not to clear snow and ice from outside their homes this winter.

Last winter was the worst for more than 30 years and saw minor roads and pavements in the region largely left untreated as salt stocks were reserved for the main highways. Homeowners have been uncertain as to whether they should clear snow and ice from their locality because of concern that to do so would make them liable for compensation claims from people injured on icy paths.

North Yorkshire County Council asked the Department for Transport for advice and received guidance stating that it was "very unlikely" that homeowners would face a legal challenge as long as they were careful and used common sense to make sure that the pavement was not left in a worse condition after their intervention.

The guidance says that there is no law that prevents people clearing snow and ice from outside of their property. Councillor Gareth Dadd, executive member for highways said: "We have been lobbying for some time for this. It is extremely gratifying that we have now had this response, particularly since it has been published before the threat of severe weather is upon us."

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/Move-to-lift--39fog39.6617026.jp