Political opinion: MP calls for expanded gritting on main roads across Cannock Chase
Following recent bouts of heavy snow and icy conditions across much of Staffordshire and the country, Cannock Chase MP Josh Newbury is urging Staffordshire County Council to step up gritting efforts after numerous complaints from local residents.
January has brought snowfall and freezing temperatures nationwide, but many residents in Cannock, Hednesford, Rugeley and nearby villages woke up on Monday and Tuesday to treacherous, icy roads, despite the Council’s claims that primary and secondary routes had been treated twice overnight.
Josh Newbury MP is calling for the council to expand gritting during cold weather, including upgrading several key roads from secondary to primary routes.
Josh said: “Having seen the travel chaos that January’s cold snap has brought, I asked residents to let me know how this has affected them. I heard from many local people who are unhappy with the amount of gritting done and busy routes that still weren’t safe even after being treated. Icy roads cause accidents and can mean missed days at work and school and cancelled appointments and operations. Because of the chaos this causes, preparing for typical winter weather should be the Council’s top priority.
“I’m also concerned about how some routes are graded. Belt Road in Hednesford is listed as ‘secondary,’ despite being hilly, dangerous and a key route for parents on the school run and commuters heading to the town centre and train station. It’s the same for Brunswick Road where Cannock Chase Hospital is located and I’ve heard from residents who couldn’t keep appointments due to the unsafe conditions by the hospital.”
Josh Newbury MP is calling on Staffordshire County Council to ensure that in future, all key routes are clear for commuters and to review the classification of local roads.
“Regardless of which council residents’ concerns relate to, I will make sure their voice is heard. After receiving many emails and messages about this issue, I’m urging Staffordshire County Council to urgently upgrade Belt Road and Brunswick Road to the primary route, and to make sure plans are in place to make sure key roads across our county are safe when snow and ice next hits.”
To gather residents’ views on the issue of gritting, Josh Newbury MP has launched a short survey which can be found here: joshnewbury.uk/survey/icy-roads-survey
