Stonecot Hill’s shopkeepers have resorted to a spot of GIY — Grit It Yourself — after Sutton Council left local residents in the lurch and the area’s pavements more suitable for Torvill and Dean than safe to walk.

Three days after Sunday’s heavy snowfall, most of the area’s pavements remain ungritted by the Council. The junction between Stonecot Hill and Ash Road and the access to the bus stop has seen dozens of falls, with one lady receiving a cut head and many others thankfully escaping serious injury.

One shopkeeper resorted to spending £70 on his own grit after repeated requests to the Council for a supply went unanswered. Some have taken to chipping away the ice with shovels while others simply shut up shop for the day as too few customers had made staying open unviable.

With temperatures expected to reach six degrees tomorrow and sun forecast for Saturday the thaw is coming slowly, but probably quicker than a council gritter.

A shop window has been smashed after being hit by an air rifle fired by a man in a passing van. No-one was hurt in the incident which happened while the shop was open but the window will need to be replaced. Sutton Police are investigating.

Did you see this incident or have you seen anything similar elsewhere? Do you know who might be responsible? Call Sutton Police on 020 8643 1212 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Gambling firm Jennings Bet has applied for a licence to open a shop at 19 Stonecot Hill.

The premises was formerly occupied by Ivy Leaf Florists and before that by Maureen’s Florists for many years.

Any representations about this licence application should be made to:

London Borough of Sutton,
BRS Licensing Section,
Civic Offices,
St Nicholas Way
Sutton SM1 1EA
Email: licensing@sutton.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8770 5533

by 13 December 2007.

Sutton Council’s website has more information on current gambling regulations and this application.