With the big freeze set to continue for a few more days, there's growing concern about the dangerous state of side roads and pavements in the village. Whilst the main roads through BM are generally clear, back streets like Melrose Drive, for example, and nearly all our pavements are like ice rinks.

Of course, the common sense messages apply - take care when you go out, only go out if you really need to and keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours. And there are several green grit bins around the village. Parish Council Chair, Dean Culshaw, told us that the PC fills the bins each winter and he had checked one earlier this week.

However, some people have been asking whether more could be done by NYC to tackle the problem. Clearly, the task they face is enormous. This is what the Leader of North Yorkshire Council, Carl Les, has told the 'Stray Ferret'

"The size of North Yorkshire’s roads network, which covers 5,800 miles, means priority is given to keeping the main routes open. Priority 1 routes connect or go through the county’s towns and are cleared before moving on to priority 2 routes, which give access to smaller communities.

Our gritting teams and farming contractors are dealing with issues on priority 2 routes, which are suffering from drifting snow and freezing temperatures, with no opportunity to thaw. This is impacting communities on higher ground.

We are starting to work through priority 3 routes, such as side roads and estates, today and tomorrow.

We would like to reassure residents that we are doing all that we can to keep the county moving."

If you have any views on this or any updates, do let us know by email