Market Drayton residents urged to report ice problems
People living in a Shropshire town have been urged to report any dangerous icy patches to prevent slips and falls in the area.
Councillors in Market Drayton want to know where the problem areas of pavements and footpaths are to make sure grit is used in the right places.
The issue was discussed at a meeting of Market Drayton Town Council's services and facilities committee, where members agreed to come up with a plan once the relevant areas had been identified.
Chairman Councillor Roger Hughes, chairman of the group, said: "We have decided to grit around the town hall offices and public toilets during the winter months.
"It will include the passage way down the side of the building, along the hall and passage way through to the market.
"Shropshire Council has told us it is not on their itinerary so we have decided to do it ourselves.
"A worker will look at the area and weather forecast each morning to decide if it needs to be done.
"Some areas in the town are not safe and there have certainly been incidents on all the car parks."
In December residents called for more grit to be laid in the town centre after an elderly lady suffered injuries from slipping on a patch of ice.
The woman in her 70s was reported to have slipped on ice and had lacerations to the back of her head.
Councillor Mark Whittle said there had been a number of accidents in the area due to icy and poor quality surfaces.
He said: "There was a nasty accident outside the church where a lady was hospitalised and suffered a broken leg. When the paramedics attended they fell as well in the same location.
"The gritting is down to the county council but in the centre of town we are going to do around the town hall and will discuss other areas at a later meeting.
"We want people to put forward key areas they think need gritting.
"We have a small supply so want to use it on the most dangerous areas.
"We are looking at what we can do to bridge the gap."
Councillor Tim Beckett, mayor of Market Drayton, said Shropshire Council was responsible for gritting the car parks in Market Drayton. He said: "In an ideal world the whole of the town centre would be gritted but unfortunately that isn't going to happen due to the cost."
Shropshire Council said the A529, A53, Shrewsbury Road, Stafford Street and Newcastle Road in Market Drayton were on the precautionary salting routes.
These areas are treated when there is a likelihood of ice to form on the highway.
People are being asked to call (01630) 653364 with any potential dangerous areas that need gritting.
