ON July 12 Liz Bowman wrote concerning the poor state of our verges, footpaths and cycle tracks.

She states that: “It is time that our council officials did what they are paid for and ensure that these necessary jobs are done.”

I suggest that this is what Britain voted for in the previous two elections.

The Conservative Party was quite open and explicit that Britain needed to make cuts to live within our means, and that these cuts will need to continue for years to come.

Following each year of cuts, there is less and less which remains to be cut, and fewer council officials to implement those cuts.

Some areas of council responsibility cannot be cut, so the remaining areas are hit heavily.

These areas include Public Rights of Way like footpaths and cycle tracks.

Amenities like parks are also affected severely.

While such austerity continues, it is no good bleating that “someone ought to do something”.

That always means that “someone else ought to do something”.

Mr Cameron advocated ‘localism’ and the use of volunteers.

On retiring, I joined the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.

We turn out twice weekly to spend a morning improving footpaths, bridleways, and trying to enhance enjoyment of the Cotswolds.

Our average age is about 73, so nature can get ahead of us at this time of the year.

Ramblers are doing similar work, and there are plenty of volunteer groups and individuals trying to effect the improvements wanted by Mrs Bowman.

Our depleted public services are hard pressed.

This is the reality of the austerity that Britain voted for, but there are ways that we can cope with it.

Self-help is one way to maintain our footpaths, verges, cycle tracks and parks.

J Graham

King’s Stanley