MANY minor roads remain ungritted across the borough as the council battles to preserve its limited supply of salt.

The authority has chosen to concentrate on treating Redbridge's main roads and bus routes last night (Tuesday) in a bid to keep the borough moving during the snowy conditions - which have led to a national shortage of grit.

Residential streets in some parts of the borough remain practically unusable after this morning's heavy snowfall - but the council insists it is working hard to keep roads open.

A council spokeswoman said: "Despite grit shortages across the country, Redbridge is managing its salt supplies to try to keep all major routes gritted.

"Not all roads in the borough are gritted but no property is more than 500 metres from a gritted road.

"We do need to replenish our salt stocks but we currently have 400 tonnes of salt on order, however, due to the weather conditions in the north of England the hauliers cannot guarantee the delivery date, so it is vital that we are prudent and preserve the stock we have.

"Extreme care should be taken on all local and residential roads. People are advised to drive with care, use dipped headlights and keep additional braking distance from the vehicles in front."