News

March 17, 2010 - Press Release: issued by Local Government Yorkshire and Humber

Local Authority Leaders in the region have joined forces to lobby government on salt production following the problems faced across the country during the recent spell of bad weather.

Following the recent severe weather event and continued need for salt to make sure the roads in our region are safe and that places are accessible, the region’s Leaders have written to the Minister of State for Transport, the Rt. Hon. Sadiq Khan MP, to share their experiences and to inform any “lessons learned” process.

Councillor Roger Stone, Chair of LGYH and Leader of Rotherham MBC said: “The recent weather across the country showed how essential it us to have sufficient salt supplies locally, but also be able to adapt to extreme conditions with extra salt available on demand. As Leaders we recognise that the best way to do this is to work with other local authorities in the region and with national government to ensure supplies are readily available.

He continues, “Our letter to the Minister of State for Transport sets out what we need across Yorkshire and Humber to deal with adverse weather conditions and expresses the desire of the Local Authority Leaders to work with national government to make sure that in the future everyone is better equipped to deal with excessive snow and ice.”

Councillor Andrew Waller, Leader of City of York Council said: “As Local Authority Leaders we believe that during the recent severe weather we worked well with Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber and the Highways Agency to ensure that no Council was left without salt.  Across and beyond the region Local Authorities came together to ensure we had supplies in each area.

He continues, “This letter demonstrates once again the strength of the cross party collaboration we have across Yorkshire and Humber, with Leaders from all parties willing to come together on common issues that can benefit the whole region. ”

Leaders believe that we need a more robust approach nationally to the production and distribution of salt.  The letter lays out the belief that there is a need to co-ordinate and maintain greater reserves either nationally or regionally rather than let this happen on an ad hoc local basis.

As well as writing with views on salt production and availability Leaders have also suggested some strategic issues that need action by national government such as securing sufficient levels of salt over the summer months for next winter.  Leaders believe that salt production is a strategic national asset and that government dialogue with the two companies involved in production needs to be ongoing, and if necessary that direct investment in the companies should be considered to secure the long term.

The letter has been submitted to the Minister and follows a major seminar on salt production that took place last week.

To view the press release click here

Return to news