It has come to our attention that comments have been sought from DCC officers and controlling members on the poor response by DCC on gritting. Please find a comment below from the DCC Conservative opposition...

Cllr Simon Spencer, Shadow Cabinet Member for Highways commented on the situation facing Derbyshire residents after a catastrophic failure to ensure roads were properly gritted,

"For Labour DCC to state that conditions were such that gritting failed to be effective is misleading the public in my opinion. The simple fact of the matter was that gritters were not seen on many primary routes early enough and it took many days before clearing and gritting took place on many secondary routes. Indeed some still appear to need attention and it is unacceptable.  

A workable system was introduced by us some years ago, which proved to be effective during some of the most atrocious conditions for decades. Quite why the County Council managed to fail to address this event is beyond me.

Perhaps the Lead member took the view that a lesser response could be taken because it was the holiday period? Whatever the reason it was a total shambles."