A LEADING councillor has defended the “wonderful” job done by York workers in tackling recent snow and ice, following complaints that side roads and pavement had been left treacherous.

Ann Reid, City of York Council’s executive member for neighbourhood services, said York had 605 miles of footpaths and 468 miles of roads, and treating all roads and pavements was not possible or reasonable for any local authority.

Fishergate councillor Andy D’Agorne said that last weekend, when he had been concerned about the lack of gritting of side roads, pavements and cycle tracks, he had rung the authority and been told gritting teams were being stood down.

He understood the priority was to keep main roads clear, but it appeared nothing was done at all on Sunday. Maple Grove, off Fulford Road, for example, had not been touched.

Haxby resident Steve Searle asked why there had been no sign of gritting in Lowfield Drive in Haxby, making it treacherous to even try to walk, let alone ride a bicycle or motorcycle.

He said: “Do the council not have a duty of care to their residents during this present cold snap to prevent any perceivable danger to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists on all the roads within their care?”

Coun Reid said that last weekend, crews who had been manually salting and clearing pavements had been flat out for two weeks and were exhausted.

He said: “As a responsible employer, we felt that they should not be required to work another weekend. Our drivers remain on standby throughout the winter and the primary routes are gritted according to the weather forecasts and are therefore constantly under review.”

She said the winter maintenance policy had been reviewed in the summer and the work carried out this winter was in line with changes all councillors agreed to. She said off-road cycle tracks were pre-treated before the first snow fell, but when it was at its heaviest, it was physically impossible to keep them clear.

“The council has responded to specific requests from residents for help, for example for medical reasons, and crews have been out gritting and clearing pavements well beyond the policy agreed by members.”