Where are the Council's Gritters? asks Teather

6.56.38pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 29th Jan 2004

Where are the Council's Gritters? Sarah Teather is demanding to know.

Sarah Teather MP for Brent East has today written to Brent Council Chief Executive Gareth Daniel asking 'Where are the gritters?'. As residents suffer in snow and ice the Council's gritters are conspicuously absent despite repeated weather reports of incoming cold weather.

A local gentleman has already fallen outside the local MP's office on 1 High Road, Willesden Green. The gentleman has badly hurt his ankle and his neck. He was cared for by the Liberal Democrat MP's office staff before being taken to hospital by his family.

Local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather said:

"Local residents have been asking me 'Where are the Council's gritters'? The conditions are treacherous for local people. The potential for accidents on the roads and on the pavements is very high. The Council were simply not off the mark quick enough."

"I have already seen the effects of the Council's sluggishness first hand with one gentleman falling and injuring his ankle outside my office in Willesden Green. It is just not good enough."

The Brent East MP has also reiterated her call for local residents to check on any elderly friends, relatives and neighbours whilst their is still ice and snow around.

Sarah Teather MP added:

"It is important that local residents check on anyone who they know is elderly. They may be unable to venture outside so might need an essential errand running for them."