New deliveries ease Derby grit worries

Potential problems with Derby's grit reserves appear to have eased.

Earlier in the week the city council said the early and prolonged cold weather had left it with as little as three days' supply left.

It added that an emergency 1,000 tonnes which had been on order for weeks had not arrived.

But officials confirmed nine lorry-loads had now been delivered - and a bid had been made to the Department for Transport for 2,000 tonnes more.

They added the length of time the new supplies would last depended on how cold the weather became.

Daytime temperatures in the city are not forecast to get above freezing for the next five days and night temperatures are likely to fall to -6C (21.2F).

Grit bins around Derby have been topped up and people are urged to use them responsibly.

Salt suppliers said they had been facing "unprecedented demand".