Can you see where I stopped gritting?

I am about to rant, so if you don't like rants then do not read any further.

I have lived in my present house for over 18 years. During that time neither my local council nor any of my neighbours have ever taken the time or made any effort to clear our footpath in winter. This is not the most annoying thing. The most annoying thing is that not one of my neighbours has ever said thank you.
I know that in some countries it is a legal requirement that people clear their own pavement/footpath/sidewalk. I think that morally this should become the norm in the UK.

Rant over.