Road conditions expected to improve

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Councils facing grit shortages have been boosted by news that, despite predictions of further snowfall, above-freezing temperatures should improve the situation on the ground.

Lighter than anticipated snowfall and milder weather on Sunday meant that transport networks, power and food supplies have been given hope of getting back to normal.

Chemicals firm Ineos have made 12,000 tonnes of de-icing salt available to councils, which will be delivered by a fleet of lorries. The first 50 trucks departed from the firm's depot in Runcorn, Cheshire, on Sunday and a further 50 truckloads will be delivering supplies on Monday.

Sheffield, Bradford, Gloucestershire, Fife, East Yorkshire and Pembrokeshire in Wales will receive deliveries of the salt, which was due to be sent to Wilhelmshaven in Germany before emergency requests from local authorities diverted it for use in the UK.

The Highways Agency's David Grunwell said: "We are hoping that slightly milder conditions over the next few days will give us some respite in respect of salting the roads."

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