THE brakes look set to be put on proposals to erect roadside signs warning drivers of possible icy conditions because of the cost and legal implications.

But Pendle councillors are likely to mount a widespread publicity campaign over county council cuts to the winter gritting programme which members claim could cost lives.

A report to Pendle Council's policy committee, which meets on Thursday, said it would cost £17,7800 to put up two signs per street on all the roads affected by the 40 per cent cut in the gritting programme.

The signs would also have to be approved by the Department of Transport, which was unlikely, and the county council could also refuse permission.

Instead the committee is recommended to agree a press and publicity campaign warning drivers which roads will no longer be covered by precautionary gritting or salt being laid down to stop ice and snow forming.

It is the latest twist in the long-running battle between the Liberal-controlled borough and the Labour-run county council.

In a letter to Pendle Council, County Councillor Richard Toon, chairman of the county's highways committee, accused the borough of being more concerned with trying to score political points.

He branded the proposals to put up signs "non-sensical" and suggested the cost would go a considerable way towards funding the gritting cash shortfall.

"Your committees do not seem to have realised that even after the budget reduction the county council will be devoting a very much larger allocation to precautionary gritting than that recommended by the Audit Commission and will be covering a much greater proportion of the rural road network than any other upland highway authority," he added.

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