COMMUNITIES could be given the responsibility for clearing minor roads and footpaths in their area in the event of another harsh winter, under proposals put forward by North Yorkshire County Council.

The plans are part of an initiative by the county council to prepare the highways department for the possibility of further heavy snow and ice this year and to ensure that more remote areas of the county are given the chance to respond to weather conditions.

Under the self-help approach, parish or town councils would apply for their own supply of grit and a team of volunteers would be trained by the county council to maintain the road network in their village or estate.

A proposal has also been put forward to buy in an extra 30 tonnes of grit before winter to ensure that the county stocks do not run low or run out.

The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Richmondshire area committee, where members expressed support for the plans.

Mike Roberts, head of highway operations at the county council, told members that the proposals were being considered as a supplement to the existing cold weather service that operates.

“Keeping the roads clear in the middle of winter is one of the most important services this county provides,”

he said.

“But, with the best will in the world, we cannot reach every part of the county. Last winter, we were able to keep 50 per cent of the road network clear.

“I am confident that the plans we have in place to deal with cold weather work and I know when it does happen, we can throw everything we have at it.

“These plans are in response to requests by parish councils who want to help themselves.

“I want to make clear that the gritting operation we already run will stay the same – this is just adding to that.”

Mr Roberts said no parish council would be forced to take part and admitted that some smaller communities might struggle to find enough able-bodied people to volunteer.

County Coun John Fort, who chaired a working committee to find ways to improve the council’s response in cold weather, reassured the members that anyone who cleared a path or a road would not be held liable if anyone then slipped over.

He said: “I want to dispel this urban myth about this business of sue and be sued. Nowhere in the whole of the UK was anybody sued for clearing a path.

“If you are acting in a responsible manner, then you will not be held liable for anything that happens, and if you have been trained by the county council, that will give more protection.”

The plans to buy in extra grit have been proposed after the county council used more than 100,000 tonnes of grit last year, compared to 55,000 tonnes in an average year.

However, if the council does buy in extra grit, it will also have to buy, build or lease somewhere to store it, a bill that could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Some of that cost would be offset by buying the grit at a cheaper price before demand rises in winter.

A final decision on both proposals will be taken at a meeting of the full county council in October.