A Colne Valley councillor wants better quality grit to tackle repeat snow ‘chaos’ in Huddersfield.

Liberal Democrat Nicola Turner, who lives on Scapegoat Hill, said that the continued use of grit containing potash by Kirklees Council was simply not working.

She made the comments following Friday’s surprise snowfall on high ground, which led to crashes near her house.

It is situated on Pike Law Road and near to Slaithwaite Gate, both through roads used by residents to get onto the M62 and into Huddersfield.

This is the third time in which she has brought up the issue to the council, which she believes can be resolved by introducing orange sodium chloride salt.

Clr Turner, said: “I’m just sick of arguing with the council about this time and time again.

“It’s not a problem with the gritting team, who are doing a good job and trying their hardest.

“Gritters went past my house three times this morning but the roads have been a nightmare because the grit doesn’t properly melt the snow so we’ve been pushing people off and I saw one car crash into the back of another because it was so icy.

“I’ve brought this up to the council at a meeting in January and March.

“But each time I’ve not been listened to and mocked by people who say the two substances do the same when I know they don’t– I’ve read up on it.

“Sodium chloride crackles straight away and is faster acting than the potash.

“I don’t keep bringing this up for the good of my health, it’s for everyone else who faces accidents and costly insurance claims and the highways gritting team.”

Kirklees Council leader, David Sheard, was adamant that the council’s gritting policy is being constantly reviewed to ensure the best grit was used.

He said: “Independent reviews are regularly taking place and Clr Steve Hall (cabinet member for roads) reported back only this week at the full council meeting.

“She may indeed be right or wrong but we go off what these reviews find–it’s the only rational thing we can do– and there’s no reason for us to use non-effective methods.

“However, we councillors have no powers over this; it’s a decision for the Highways team and it wouldn’t be right if I started to try use my power to influence these decisions.

“I suggest she brings up her issues with them.”