Lib Dems demand gritting inquiry

4.18.00pm GMT Mon 2nd Feb 2009

Liberal Democrats on the County Council have been horrified by claims by a Hertfordshire Highways driver that gritting was not continuous throughout the night last night.

Severe weather warnings have been issued since at least Friday of last week that heavy snow was to fall in the area.

Chris White, Lib Dem group leader and St Albans Central County Councillor said: 'We have been concerned before that roads were not gritted properly but never had any proof or outside evidence of this. Our main roads need to be kept clear, and it is the county's responsibility. We must have a full enquiry into this.'

Susan Gaszczak, County Council candidate for Vicarage and Holywell division and resident on the A4145, Hagden Lane said: 'I was concerned this morning when I saw the condition of Hagden Lane in Watford. I even took a photograph of the state of the road. I live so close to the hospital that this must have caused enormous problems not only to residents but to the ambulances trying to get to the hospital.'