IT’S always the same – we get a winter freeze, snowfall and ice and yet every year a drama unfolds.

People start panic buying. We know that where there are hazardous conditions there should be caution. Advice should be taken and acted upon with a measure of realism and common sense.

It is not necessary to buy food just for the sake of it, because as recent research confirmed, we waste as much as we consume.

One thing is for sure – we always have a winter. It might not be in one blast, and as it is spread over several weeks the situation can be frustrating when bad weather returns, but let’s be realistic.

Spare a thought for countries of the world where where weather conditions can be extreme and excessive.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe.