A call for a review of Pembrokeshire Council’s poor weather strategy, with the return of a north county ‘salt tip’ to tackle snowy and icy roads, will be considered by senior councillors.

In a notice of motion submitted to the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, leader of the county’s independent group Cllr Huw Murphy asked that the Local Authority’s Highways Department “review their poor weather strategy, especially in relation to snow and ice conditions”.

His notice stated: “That Pembrokeshire County Council look to reinstate/return an auxiliary/reserve salt tip to north Pembrokeshire, which in snow and icy conditions can be utilised to keep primary routes open to enable emergency services to attend calls, key workers to go to work and for HGVs to be able to attend farms to collect milk as three examples.

“Historically, North Pembrokeshire had a ‘salt tip’ located Nr Crymych and it’s a well-known fact that the A478 between Crymych & Cardigan and between Crymych and Clunderwen becomes difficult for motorists, especially HGVs and coaches (school buses), becoming treacherous during periods of snowfall and ice.

“An auxiliary salt tip again located in Pembrokeshire would enable north Pembrokeshire roads to be subject of quicker and regular gritting than currently occurs, keeping roads open and safer for road users.

“The recent heavy snowfall highlighted a weakness in the current highway gritting and snow clearing strategy in relation to northeast Pembrokeshire and areas of the Preseli Mountains, which generally suffer the worst weather when it comes to snow and ice.

“Prompt gritting and deployment of snow ploughs for the A478, A487, B4332 and B4329 especially are critical for northeast Pembrokeshire communities and communities near the Preseli Mountains.”

Members agreed Cllr Murphy’s motion would be sent to the county council’s Cabinet for further consideration.