Big chill, dutiful Bill

Inspector James Scott, at Bexhill police station, said: “Last week our officers were carrying out breath-tests in temperatures down to minus 10 degrees centigrade.

“Ice and snow are formidable hazards at the best of times, but become even more dangerous for drivers who have been drinking

“That’s precisely why there will be no let up in our efforts to target those who risk taking the wheel after consuming excess alcohol.”

Insp Scott said extra foot patrols had been deployed in Bexhill to combat anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Christmas, particularly at weekends, but wintry weather had had a restraining effect and there had been no arrests.