“ICE rink” roads and pavements around a Hatfield school saw parents and children “sliding around all over the place” this morning (Tuesday).

Former Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate Paul Zukowskyj attacked the County Council’s lack of gritting around The Ryde School, in Pleasant Rise.

Mr Zukowskyj said: “Last year there was a huge furore over the council’s preparedness for inclement weather, particularly snow, and we were assured that they were much better prepared.

“But I’ve just taken my daughter to school and roads outside schools are supposed to be a priority for gritting.

“It was like an ice rink this morning and parents and children were sliding around all over the place.”

A county council spokeswoman said schools were not a priority area for gritting and the main focus was on “A-roads, B-roads routes in and out of villages and bus routes”.

Pavements would also be gritted as a secondary concern after main roads.

She added: “Schools are offered salt so they can make sure access is safe.”