Grit running out as councils fight freeze

More than half of the winter grit supplies in the Black Country, Staffordshire and Worcestershire have already been used as councils battle to keep roads open, it emerged today.

Several authorities have been forced to place emergency top-up orders after Artic conditions left roads in chaos. Wolverhampton City Council has just 1,600 tons of grit left of a 3,400-ton stock in October.

Spokesman Tim Clark said: "We have had a prolonged period of freezing weather early in the season which has meant the gritters have been out a lot.

"We are in contact with salt suppliers as well as other councils and central government to secure deliveries to replenish stocks when it becomes necessary."

Dudley Council had ordered 6,500 tons but, following weeks of sub-zero tem- peratures, has just 3,200 left.

Spokeswoman Katherine Finney said the council would be "continuously monitoring" the situation to see whether further orders were needed.

In Staffordshire, almost two-thirds of its 30,000 tons has been used but extra supplies are due to be delivered over Christmas.

Walsall Council has used around half of its 4,000-ton stock. Cabinet member for transport Councillor Tom Ansell said: "We have no plans to bring in any more just yet but are continuing to monitor the situation."

Sandwell Council is best off, having used just over 2,800 tons of its initial supply of 6,300 tons. It also has an order in for a further 3,000 to be delivered over the coming weeks.

Worcestershire County Council had stockpiled 13,000 tons — its biggest ever order — but over the past six weeks has already used 7,500 tons.

Council spokeswoman Roslyn Golds said: "Orders have been placed to increase these stock levels over the coming weeks."