Grit crisis hits Barnet as roads are abandoned by council

BARNET council has had to drastically cut the number of roads it grits tonight because of its low grit stocks. The borough is now only going to grit routes considered London Resilience roads a 25 per cent reduction in the number gritted up until tonigh

BARNET council has had to drastically cut the number of roads it grits tonight because of its low grit stocks.

The borough is now only going to grit routes considered "London Resilience" roads a 25 per cent reduction in the number gritted up until tonight.

Environment boss, Cllr Daniel Thomas, said: "Grit stocks are running very low across London, and with very severe weather forecast for the weekend, this is the only responsible decision to make. Our priority has to be to keep the very major routes open so that public transport is able to keep running.

"Our gritting crews have done a fantastic job of keeping roads clear to date, but we really do need to conserve grit stocks. Like other London boroughs we haven't been getting the stocks we ordered some weeks ago.

"We will also continue to grit around public transport facilities. I would encourage residents to use public transport for journeys wherever possible."

The move means no side roads will be gritted in the borough and the decision is likely to lead to resident anger.

Already opposition councillors and residents have slammed the ice-skating rink nature of the roads which will only worsen if the bad weather continues and grit isn't used.

One famous Suburb resident was clearly unimpressed with the lack of gritters on Wednesday.

Richard Madeley publicised his frustrations with Barnet Council on his Twitter page.

The star wrote: "Grrr:still no sign of any gritters here. Looks like our council's f***** up again." to his 10,000 followers.