IT IS gratifying that the county council, as a preventative measure, has stockpiled tons of salt in case of a hard winter. Forewarned is to be forearmed.

It does seem that with recent flood disasters this could be expanded by Government and other agencies in a form of a civil defence force running on the same lines to that which was formed during the war years across the country.

Even during the 1960s and 1970s I remember attending civil defence courses, complete with mock-up disaster situations with equipment to match, which also included a fleet of Green Goddess-type vehicles, which were ready at a moment's notice, with power to commandeer community centres, church halls and the like, for the duration.

This form of civil defence force in peacetime was instigated by the Government during the threat of the Cold War and possible nuclear attack, and shortly afterwards considered because of the fear of an outbreak of rabies.

It seems ironic that the Government, at the time of the fire service strikes, miners’ strike and the like, had no hesitation in moving heaven and earth to supply police and the armed services and moving them around the country, when it came to civil disorder, and has not been ready for natural disaster situations.

It is all very noble to supply other countries with funds and equipment at the drop of a hat, but charity, and the wellbeing of our own citizens, must come first.

For instance, funds are readily available, even it if means raiding the national lottery.

As for manpower, look no further than our prison population, plus retired tradesmen and professional people to take up the slack with their experience.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.