I really really want/need a set of winter tyres but nobody in this part of Yorkshire seems to have the slightest inkling of what I am after. After last winters snow I have to have good rubber on my bottom or I shall slip in and out of all kinds of bother 
MyTyres will send suitable winter tyres to the local dealer. My Dad has just had some sent to a local place for Mothers new Fabia. You don't have to rely on the knowledge of the local numpties...just order what you want and let the local monkeys fit the big black round things.
I just sourced a set of VAG wheels to fit, gave them a clean up, powder coated them and he picked the nearest tyre place to fit them.
Or, the likes of Montys Wheels will supply complete packages...you pick the wheels and they'll price up with winter tyres of your choice...all delivered, balanced and ready to go. They often have some decent OEM wheels to pick from too.
For example:
VW Torontos:
http://www.montyswheelsandtyres.com/product.asp?numPageStartPosition=1&P_ID=1055&strPageHistory=cat&strKeywords=&strSearchCriteria=&PT_ID=98At a guess, £600ish delivered with decent winter tyres fitted. (£485 with summer Falkens).
These would be ideal for you Amanda...16" and narrower tread, to give as much grip and protection as possible...without looking too silly.
My old man runs 16s on his Mk5 in winter and it doesn't look too bad.
For the roads you are on, I'd want narrower tread and higher sidewalls...you have to drive to work. I don't. If the snow is THAT deep, i'll be staying in the house!
Either MyTyres or BlackCircles (can't remember which) are offering a winter tyre + steel wheel package pretty cheap.
Personally, I'd rather source alloys...but if it's performance over looks for the winter...there's a cheap option.
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