GRITTING OF ROADS IN ROSSENDALE

That this House recalls the treacherous conditions last winter on many roads in the Rossendale Valley, particularly those on steep hills; remembers what a stalwart job the then Labour-controlled Lancashire County Council did to ensure that adequate gritting took place and salt and grit bins were provided in those areas where they were needed most; notes how this responsible attitude contrasts starkly with the decision of now Conservative-controlled Lancashire County Council to withdraw these services from the many unadopted roads in Rossendale; considers this will cause undue hardship and inconvenience, not to say risk, especially to the young and the elderly; and calls on the Minister for Local Government to intervene urgently with the council to urge them to reconsider this ill-judged removal of essential services from the people of Rossendale.