Along with Joyce Edmond-Smith (Letters, December 24), I think more should be done by the community to clear pavements after bad weather.

I also believe more should be done by people on Community Service orders and even the long-term unemployed A month ago, heavy rain and high winds caused leaves from trees, especially around The Level, to block many drains, causing huge lakes in Elm Grove, Union Street, and Lewes Road. It was also very hazardous underfoot. This went on for a fortnight.

These leaves could have been cleared daily by a gang of labourers, but nothing was done. The same for snow- clearing of pavements and grit-spreading.

Pay the unemployed minimum wage for a day’s work. This would also show who were genuinely unemployed and who are work-shy and not willing to help society.

Don Franklin Lewes Road, Brighton The last post I, like many people in Brighton, was cut off during the bad weather before Christmas due to icy roads and pavements. During this time I received no mail as it was too slippery for a member of the postal service to deliver.

I have spoken to members of my family and know that I have not received a lot of Christmas cards that were sent to me at that time.

I am not so worried about the cards but I am concerned that there may have been important items that have not been delivered.

I wondered if anyone knows what happened to the mail that could not be delivered for those four or five days?

K Calnan, name and address supplied