Battling on (From Durham Times)

Battling on

1:45pm Friday 15th January 2010

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THE problems faced by gritting lorries this week brought home the hazardous nature of the tasks faced by many public servants during the bad weather. Luckily, nobody was hurt when four gritters slid off the black ice-covered highways on Wednesday morning. But it was an indication of the difficulties faced, even as the weather improved, by those charged with keeping roads open, hospitals running and patients collected, meals delivered and providing all the services we take for granted at other times of the year.

Despite everything, most businesses and organisations have maintained operations. They have taken precautions, they have adapted, they have been flexible with their staff.

In many cases, staff have rewarded that flexibility with demonstrating real commitment to their employer.

Neighbours have helped neighbours. There have been countless acts of selflessness as communities have come together to make life bearable for those most vulnerable.

There’s also been the tremendous contribution of the voluntary sector, whose unpaid heroes have continued to do their bit, even when not being contractually obliged to do so.

While many will be feeling mightily depressed by the cold and the effect it may be having on our personal lives or our businesses, we have a lot to be thankful for. Despite what some media might have you believe, the country has not ground to a halt. We battle on.

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