A call for a review of Pembrokeshire’s poor weather strategy, with the potential return of a north county ‘salt tip’ to tackle snowy and icy roads, has been backed by senior councillors.

In a notice of motion, leader of the county’s independent group Cllr Huw Murphy asked that the council’s Highways Department “review their poor weather strategy, especially in relation to snow and ice conditions,” and called for the council to “reinstate/return an auxiliary/reserve salt tip to north Pembrokeshire”.

His notice stated: “Historically, North Pembrokeshire had a ‘salt tip’ located near 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.”

Cllr Murphy’s motion was considered at the February 9 meeting of the council’s Cabinet, which was recommended to back it.

A report for members said the ‘Pembrokeshire dangler’ severe weather of mid-November saw heavy localised impacts in the northeast with up to 15 inches of accumulated snow being measured on the highest roads.

It stated: “These effects were however short term and during this time, when the public were advised not to travel unless essential, apart from the highest road (B4329 New Inn to Tafarnybwlch) no primary roads were inaccessible for more than an hour.”

It added: “It is however recognised that there is the potential for more severe weather impacts to affect the northeastern area of the county, due to the topographical nature of the area.

“Therefore, in order to ensure that the location of auxiliary salt storage is located in the most appropriate locations in Pembrokeshire, as part of the review of future winter maintenance plans this point could be reviewed to determine if additional salt storage is required and if so where this would best be located.”

At the meeting, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett moved the recommendation for an officer-led review of the winter maintenance plan; which will return to Cabinet in Autumn 2026 for endorsement.

The proposal was backed by Cabinet members; Leader Cllr Jon Harvey saying: “It seems to me to make perfect sense, as Cllr Murphy points out the north of the county is getting a fair bit more snow and ice.”