OXFORDSHIRE County Council said it was hugely disappointed after the Government ordered more gritting cut-backs across Britain due to a national salt shortage.

Transport Minister Lord Adonis has told councils they must limit their gritting to major A roads, although a small number of the busiest non A-routes might be gritted depending on weather conditions.

Rodney Rose, County Hall cabinet member for transport, said the council’s hands were tied.

He added: “Our teams have been working night and day for some time now, every since the cold weather started in mid December.

“However, they are still ready and willing to do more.

“In the final analysis we just want to do the best job we can to keep as many Oxfordshire roads in as good a condition as possible.

“It is therefore a huge disappointment to have the rug pulled from under us by Government.”

“We have managed our salt stocks shrewdly and still have a number of days worth left to use, partly thanks to the fact we have some recent fresh deliveries with more promised. However, having taken that careful approach from the start, it seems we are now not being allowed to reap the benefits.”

The county council gritted 800 miles of road last night and again this morning, including all major A routes and many of the busiest B routes.