Lack of grit 'delayed paramedics'

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Two councils have denied they slowed down ambulance crews by failing to grit some main roads during the recent heavy snowfall.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said paramedics in County Durham and eastern Teesside reported difficulties.

Some main roads were untreated on Saturday, according to a spokesman.

Redcar and Cleveland Council and Durham County Council said gritters had been out continuously, and they had not been alerted to any problems by the NEAS.

Saturday's weather caused widespread disruption across the region, with several roads closed or partially blocked by snow or accidents.

The NEAS said the conditions had put "immense pressure" on ambulance crews.

Control room manager Graham Robinson said: "Crews were telling us that the main roads had not been gritted, which was slowing down ambulances on emergency calls.

"We expect side roads not to be treated, but some of the main routes appeared to be just as bad."

'No closures'

Both local authorities said gritter crews had been working around the clock.

Steve Keetley, Durham County Council's head of technical services, said their entire fleet had been out, and had not been made aware of any difficulties for ambulance crews.

A Redcar and Cleveland Council spokesman said: "Our winter maintenance teams have been working 24 hours a day since 2pm on Thursday, ploughing and gritting constantly.

"We are concentrating on main roads around the borough, covering over 500 miles, and there have been no road closures.

"We are in regular communication with the police, but we have not received any contact from the North East Ambulance Service. We would be more than happy to talk to them about any concerns they may have."

The authority's five gritters have covered 7,500 miles, using 275 tonnes of salt a day, he added.