Liability for gritting pavements

[midagetrolop]

I called at the local CO-OP and Lidl today and the car parks and walkways to get in the shops were solid ice, like skating rinks and actually I saw a car slide into the back of another trying to get out!! When I asked in the Co-op about making it safe for customers I was told they couldn't grit because if anyone fell they would be liable - is this rubbish? Are the council liable because they grit the roads and pavements, and Tesco certainly have gritted theirs - so what is going on? As far as I am concerned they don't deserve custom if they cannot make it safe! Or is it just a ploy not to do it!!

[dotty.]

ahhh that;'s the benefit of working ina seaside town, the sand is free and blows at will all the way down the main street so noone can sue anyone lol

[factor-fiction]

You can't be held liable simply for gritting! Whose property is the car park?

If the car park is their property they have a duty of care, so I suggest they should grit their car park. But they can only be expected to do what is reasonable.

[midagetrolop]

Thanks Factor30 for a sensible reply.

[dotty.]

my reply was both factual and anecdotal with a slight leaning towards sensible,