Telford & Wrekin Council and emergency services have slashed the number of roads to be gritted in the borough in a last-ditch bid to conserve rapidly diminishing supplies of road salt.

Just 100 tonnes of salt remained today after gritters took to the roads three times last night and into the early hours.

• To see where the gritters will work, click on the maps at the bottom of the page. Larger images can be found at the council’s website here
  

After forecasters predicted a “white out” in Shropshire yesterday, borough council chiefs and the emergency services jointly agreed to prioritise gritting. They have issued maps detailing areas being gritted.

Routine gritting will now only take place on A and B roads, one primary route into each of the borough’s main towns and accesses from ambulance, fire and police stations. 

On their final 3.30am run this morning council leader, Councillor Andrew Eade joined one of the gritting crews. He said: “These people are doing a fantastic job and I wanted to show my appreciation by going out with them.”

Officials believe their new revised gritting policy – halving the number of routes to be treated – will see stocks last until Thursday. 

Meanwhile, Paul Smart, Shropshire County Council’s programme and contracts manager, said the authority had enough supplies but would also be focusing on main roads and “high risk” sites, highlighted in a map issued by the council.

Yesterday the county council said it had 2,000 tonnes of rock salt left which would last the rest of the week.

Telford & Wrekin Council has set up a winter weather hotline for residents on (01952) 384000 for emergency purposes, open from 7am to 7pm.

If it snows, the council will operate a schools snowline on (01952) 382932, 382934 or 382935.