TRANSPORT bosses have heaped praise on gritting teams for their work during “the worst winter for 35 years”.

Worcestershire County Council's gritting teams treated about 56,000 miles worth of roads during their busiest ever winter period - the equivalent of travelling around the world just over two times.

A number of Shuttle readers complained during the cold snap that not enough side roads had been treated, leaving them treacherous.

Councillor Derek Prodger said staff worked “tremendously hard to keep the roads safe and vehicles moving”, though.

More salt than ever before was ordered ahead of this winter to cope with what the elements had in store for the county, which meant all designated routes agreed well before the cold snap arrived were treated when necessary.

Temperatures hit minus 16 in some parts during January, resulting in about 22,000 tonnes of salt being put down on roads – the same weight as around 134 jumbo jets.

An average gritting season usually sees around 12,000 tonnes used.

Mr Prodger, cabinet member for transport and safe environment, added: “The teams deserve praise but so do all the motorists that tempered their driving according to the conditions and residents that pulled together during that challenging time.

“We planned ahead carefully and made sure our stocks were high at the start of the season, which meant we were never in a position that meant we couldn't grit our designated routes or ration our stocks despite some national shortages.

“Like last year, we'll take on board what we've learned and listen to the views of residents over the summer months as the planning continues for next winter because we know there's no room for complacency.”

The gritting season has not yet officially ended and the teams will still be ready to roll, if necessary, until mid-April.