The current icy weather has created dangerous driving conditions for motorists, and hazardous journeys on foot for pedestrians.

Over the past couple of days I’ve been contacted by constituents across the area, raising their alarm over the poor level of gritting – which has only made our roads and pavements more treacherous.

I’ve written to the Director of Highways and Transport, highlighting concerns that by not gritting the roads, Christmas events have been cancelled, schools closed and youngsters in rural areas have not been able to attend college.