Overworked Powys County Council has hit back at residents from the Welshpool area who have been complaining about salt bins being empty during the current big freeze.
Despite being full to the lid before the snow hit two weeks ago, most are now empty as residents play their part to keep pavements and roads safe for use.
But, while a majority of residents have used the valuable resource sensibly, others have been reckless, emptying the salt bins for use on private paths and driveways.
“Private property is not the responsibility of the council and this is certainly not the purpose for the salt bins,” said a spokesperson. “They are not for private use such as garden paths and drives at all. The salt bins are for the sole use of clearing the surrounding public road, pavement or steps.”
One resident told mywelshpool that he saw one pick up pull up to his local salt bin and literally empty its contents into the back before driving off.
With salt levels already below 50 per cent, residents are being asked to be sensible.
Board Member for Roads, Councillor Geraint Hopkins said: “Residents have been asked to be responsible when using roadside salt bins and salt stocks to help conserve stocks where possible. I urge people to use precious resources sparingly and also to be vigilant; there have been isolated cases where entire bins and dumps have been taken. We will not be able to replenish supplies until we get additional stock and road conditions improve so it’s in everyone's interest to use these appropriately.”
The cold snap is expected to ease over the next three days but forecasters say the sub-zero temperatures could return on Sunday.