A PRO-ACTIVE councillor has shown snow-bound residents the way forward by successfully having one of his local roads added to the county's gritting list.

Epping Town councillor Ben Murphy phoned up Essex County Council and after a successful conversation with the local highways manager persuaded them to add Crows Road, in Epping, to the secondary gritting list.

The county council only automatically grits major roads, but secondary roads are also gritted as resources permit.

Mr Murphy said: “I'd heard from about four or five residents in Crows Road. It was just an absolute joke when the snow came.

“I spoke to the district manager for county highways and he said it could get to the secondary list. I explained Crows Road is used as a main access point to St John's School and it's on a steep incline.”

Mr Murphy has encouraged residents concerned about the state of their own roads to follow his action.

He said: “I'm sure they must have rules and they'll probably turn round and say 'what's special about your road?' but if someone thinks there's a genuine issue why not? What harm is it going to do?

“I did it as a resident- I lived in Crows Road a few years ago so I know a lot of residents there. I contacted them as any member of the public would.”

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Essex County Council has been in contact with councillor Murphy regarding Crows Road in Epping. The request for this road to be included on a secondary gritting route was reviewed and it was decided that this should be done.

“Essex County Council Highways Officers will review any request for a road to be included and a decision will be made based on several factors.”