Welwyn Hatfield braced for more snow

DWINDLING supplies of road grit are set to come under even more strain tonight as further snow is forecast for Hertfordshire. Weather forecasts have predicted more snow overnight and tomorrow morning, with sub zero temperatures at the weekend. Since Su

DWINDLING supplies of road grit are set to come under even more strain tonight as further snow is forecast for Hertfordshire.

Weather forecasts have predicted more snow overnight and tomorrow morning, with sub zero temperatures at the weekend.

Since Sunday, Hertfordshire Highways has used around 4,000 tons of the salt on the roads, leaving only 1,200 tonnes in stock. Although a further 180 tonnes was expected to arrive today, a county council spokesman said supplies are "lower than comfortable".

An order for 6,200 more tonnes is on order with suppliers Salt Union, and Hertfordshire County Council and partners Amey Lafarge are searching for alternative supplies.

County councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: "It is undeniable that the very slow supply of salt is putting continuation of an effective winter service at risk, across a wide area of south and east England."

"We will continue to grit and plough the roads that are our highest priority, and will respond to conditions as they develop.

"We will be careful to strike a balance between keeping priority roads passable and conserving salt so that we can continue to keep gritting.