Charles Fletcher: Let's all resolve to do our bit this year

But what about the little bit that everyone could have done to help make a big difference? You recall: the bit that your mother and father would make you do outside your own home, like scrape and sweep the snow and ice away.

And if you did your bit, you would find it joined up with the neighbour doing his bit, and so on.

Zut alors! Soon you could walk safely down the street and collect the bread and milk from the Co-operative, quote your granny's divi number and go home safe and sound, not least because the shop owners had also cleaned up their bit of the pavement (and put down salt or grit, not hot water. Bute House, take note).

Ah. Wait a minute. You're shaking your head and proclaiming the Europeans are to blame. If we clean up our wee bit and someone falls on it, we'll be held responsible. European Ruling Myth number 397.

Mythology states Brussels will not allow us to clear the streets.

Wrong. And if everyone did their little bit, well, we're back where we started.

So, I am intrigued by a friend in Queensferry who has suggested the start of a crusade, a movement in this momentous election year. Forget neighbourhood watch, let's set up winter watch, he says. Let's create small teams of do-gooders across the land who will look after their little bit of street and road to keep the country moving in times of crisis and snow.

Sweep up for that elderly neighbour. Fetch the bread and milk for the close. Wave heroic drivers on their way across your freshly gritted highway.

And why stop at winter watching for snow and ice, we mused over mulled wine in the Orocco Pier?

Who among us could teach, nurse, be a lollipop man? We could run the country