IWOULD like to say a very big thank you to the Halesowen Leisure Centre staff who cleared away snow from the paths before they opened, so that customers could walk safely into the centre for a lovely morning swim.

This was no surprise to me and my family as the staff at Halesowen are unfailingly helpful and polite, but I really feel that braving the elements in their own time was beyond the call of duty and is well worth a special thank you.

When public sector workers and their terms and conditions are routinely being attacked by Conservatives and Liberals alike (and Labour before them), I think politicians too easily forget that it is the loyalty, goodwill and hard work of the staff that lies at the heart of true service to us all, and should not be taken for granted.

C Stoll Halesowen