HEAVY snow falls in Times Territory have taken their toll on the amount of salt and grit available across Hertfordshire, with levels running low after an application for an emergency supply was snubbed.

Hertfordshire County Council was forced to put an application in to the Department for Transport for more stocks, but was informed that there were no supplies available.

During the summer it ordered 12,000 tonnes of salt for use across the county. Another delivery is not expected until after the New Year.

A spokesman for the council said: “This winter has been unusually cold with heavy snowfall and prolonged icy conditions.

“This is not a situation unique to Hertfordshire. The entire country is facing the same challenges as we are.

“The Department for Transport informed us that none of their supplies can be allocated to us at this time.

“We are extremely disappointed with the decision and feel that we have missed out because we had maintained higher levels of salt.

“We are confident that we can keep the main routes clear with the salt we have in stock.

“We will make best use of the supplies that we have available to us.”

On Monday, there was enough salt for 13 heavy gritting runs, but 16 days until the next delivery.

“Salt does not go off, and there now appears to be an obvious trend of colder, snowier winters. The county council must learn from previous years,” said Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst.

“We can only hope that no more snow falls before more salt arrives in the New Year.”

Roads in the county are still being gritted by the council during the cold snap, with fleets on 24 hour standby.