A councillor has claimed some of Luton’s elderly population will be confined to their homes in freezing weather due to a lack of gritting.
A circular has been sent out to council-run sheltered accommodation schemes in Luton warning people to take care because pathways will not be gritted during icy weather.
The letter that went out to residents read: “As every year with the colder weather now with us, the gritting lorries will be seen throughout the town gritting the roads in preparation for a snowfall or icy conditions.
“This service is not extended to the sheltered schemes.
“However, where resources permit, the main entrance of each scheme will be gritted by a scheme manager if on duty.
“The main entrance is classed as the immediate area at the main entrance and not any continuing pathway from this.
“With one snowfall already all residents are strongly advised not to venture out in weather that could put their health and safety at risk including snow, frost and ice.”
Councillor David Franks said it was unfair to deprive people of the ability to go out.
“In effect it’s saying that if it gets icy, don’t go out,” he said. “We are not talking about frail people here, many of the residents are perfectly capable of walking down to the local shops.”
A council spokesman said: “The council has not changed gritting arrangements for sheltered housing schemes – we grit the entrance to all schemes and deal with any specific issues as they arise.
“The flier is simply reminding vulnerable residents to take extra care in potentially slippery conditions across the town and to consider postponing any non-urgent excursions for health and safety reasons – but clearly that is an individual decision.”