‘We worked 24 hours a day’ says SLC roads chief

South Lanarkshire Council reacted to criticism of its gritting operations by saying their teams have been working “tirelessly”.

The local authority released a statement after Monica Lennon MSP claimed many trips to Hairmyres’ A&E department “could have been prevented if our streets and footpaths were properly gritted”.

Head of roads and transportation services, Gordon Mackay, said: “Over the Christmas period we have experienced low temperatures and snowfall across South Lanarkshire.

“Although the conditions have been challenging, our teams have worked tirelessly to keep roads and pavements gritted.

“We worked 24 hours a day to ensure we reached secondary roads and footpaths as far as possible while ensuring main roads were kept clear.

“Precautionary carriageway and footway routes have been gritted twice a day, at 4.30am and at 2pm, depending on the weather forecast.

“In between this time, we have concentrated on secondary carriageway routes.

“This pattern will continue for as long as the temperatures remain close to or below freezing.

“In spells of bad weather, the easiest way to keep up to date with the council is to follow us on social media and there is lots of information on our website, www. southlanarkshire.gov.uk, including details of gritting routes and grit bins.”