NEARLY three out of four homeowners are calling for a law change to protect civic-minded people who clear snow off pavements from legal action.

A Local Government Association (LGA) survey found 73% of adults thought people who tried to clear walkways outside their homes should be exempt from personal injury lawsuits.

Their views were last night echoed by Merseyside lawyer David Kirwan, founding partner of Kirwans.

He told LDP Legal homeowners and businesses are liable under the Occupiers Liability Act, which makes them responsible for any accident that happens on their premises.

If a property owner tries to clear snow they potentially lose any “act of God” defence against claimants seeking compensation, Mr Kirwan added.

The LGA poll also revealed more than half of people – some 59% – would support legislation making it a legal obligation for householders to clear the pavement outside their homes.

It comes as Britain is bracing itself for another blast of Arctic weather in the coming days.

David Sparks, chairman of the LGA transport and regeneration board, called on the Government to investigate whether current laws are enough to protect people who help out during extreme weather conditions.

He said: “It seems that there are many residents willing and able to clear the paths of snow who are eager to do their bit.

“It could simplify things if the law simply created an obligation on citizens to keep the front of their homes clear of snow, as is the case in several other countries. There needs to be a national debate as we begin to learn the lessons from this winter.”