Mayor Linda Arkley visited staff who have been keeping the roads clean during the cold spell.

Despite criticisms from residents who have had problems with icy pavements, Mrs Arkley said the council had done what it could, but admitted it would look into the sitation.

The visit was part of Mrs Arkley's fact finding towards an urgent report due before North Tyneside Council's cabinet on Monday.

Mrs Arkley said: "I'm really pleased that I have seen for myself the challenges our gritting team face.

"These dedicated staff do a difficult job in often very demanding conditions at very unsociable hours.

"For instance, while many of us were enjoying ourselves seeing in the New Year, our gritting team was out working, ensuring the borough's main routes were as safe as possible.

"I know that this weather is making it tricky for some of our residents. I am glad as a Council we are able to help keep the borough connected."

Since Thursday, December 17, the council has gritted the borough's 240 miles of priority roads on 43 occasions – including on all the bank holidays.

The gritting operation has used 3,020 tonnes of rock salt, however, the council still has around 2,000 tonnes of salt remaining.


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