PEOPLE are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel so that roads can be kept clear for gritters to get through.

Guiseley and Rawdon councillor Paul Wadsworth made his appeal as Leeds City Council worked flat out to keep roads clear after Thursday's heavy snowfall.

Cllr Wadsworth, who is Shadow Spokesperson for Environmental Services on the council, highlighted that gritting wagons are in use, but that the public can also help by only travelling if necessary.

He said many residents also had a local grit bin to help in a particular area, and although these were being refilled, the priority was on the road network.

Cllr Wadsworth said: “The council’s fleet of gritters and snowploughs are currently out in force. Just

because you haven’t seen one doesn’t mean they are not there. My understanding is that they are out very early in the morning through to late at night covering the primary routes.

"I would also say this, congestion on the roads means that the gritters can’t get through, which then leads to complaints of the roads not being cleared. Please – if you can, I would urge that you stay off the roads to allow the ploughs and grit wagons to get through. That will then free up the network for everyone.

"Grit bins will be refilled, but clearly the priority is on keeping the primary route network open. The highways department will be refilling the yellow grit bins as they are able. My understanding is that the blue Councillor-funded grit bins should be refilled by the end of the week weather permitting.

"We also have the use of quad bikes to grit pavements in our area. These have been directed to the local vaccination centre to ensure it can stay open delivering that vital service. May I also take this opportunity to thank those who volunteered at short notice to help clear car parks and keep this service running."