Hertfordshire County Council is providing a limited amount of free salt to help cope with the sudden January frosts.

The salt will be given to town and parish councils, 80 community groups and 50 schools to help cover icy roads and pavements, as part of the council’s winter self-help scheme.

Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We can’t stop it snowing, but we can work in partnership with district, borough, town and parish councils and community groups to keep our county moving.

“Although 2015 saw a mild start to winter, we prepared for any sudden change in the weather, and have now doubled our gritting outings following last week’s cold snap.

“It’s a massive job keeping our roads and pavements passable during severe weather and the help we get from communities is really appreciated.”

The council is continuing to monitor daily weather forecasts, and encourages everyone to use their local knowledge to identify where best to use the salt to help their communities during severe weather.

Applications for winter self-help for this season have now closed. More details of the scheme can be found at www.hertsdirect.org/salting