BURY Council admits its gritters experienced problems in keeping major routes open during last weekend's cold snap.

The recognition follows a barrage of complaints to both the town hall and the Bury Times about the dangerous state of roads after hail, snow and freezing weather hit Bury on Saturday (Dec 29).

Earlier this week the council's cleansing department said it had not been made aware of any major problems on the roads.

Around 600 tonnes of grit were used over four days during the cold snap, more than a quarter of the 2,000 tonnes used over the course of an average winter.

The council now say that there were difficulties, especially in the north of the borough, due to the nature of wintery showers.

A spokesman said: "We have been carrying out full gritting operations throughout the recent cold spell. However, a fall of hail and the sudden freeze early on Saturday morning did cause difficulties.

"Although regular gritting has been carried out over recent days the sheer severity of the cold weather at the weekend did cause problems, especially in the more outlying districts in the north of the borough.

The spokesman added that there was no legal obligation upon councils to grit roads, but said: "We are continuing to grit, not only on all main roads but also on side roads to help residents, especially the elderly.

"It will also ensure that the backlog of refuse collection which usually takes place over the holiday period can be addressed."