To the editor:

If you have done any travel around Barrington since the snow storm, you have undoubtedly seen how atrocious many of the sidewalks look. 

The first storm always provides the opportunity for the town to set the tone for how serious it is in enforcing the snow removal ordinance and making sure the sidewalks are safe to use. I am hopeful the town will vigorously enforce the ordinance. Sidewalks should be fully passable, not just the width of a shovel. Snow banks need to be cut through so passage on the sidewalk is possible and doesn't force people back into the street. And with the closure of the bike path bridges, it is more important than ever that the sidewalks on the main bridges be cleared. The ordinance is easy to understand. The effected property owners and businesses are aware of it. So it is up to the town to enforce it. I am hopeful they will set the right tone early, so future storms are cleaned up more fully and more quickly.

Bill DeWitt

Barrington