A Powys councillor said he was forced to distribute salt in a Powys community himself, as residents were left struggling by limited availability in cold weather.
Cllr Gareth Jones, who represents Llanfair Caereinion and Llanerfyl, said Powys County Council had been “cautious” about distributing salt piles in recent weeks and months, citing concerns that early‑season gritting could be washed away by wet weather.
But he warned the approach had left residents and businesses struggling during cold snaps.
“Leaving communities without salt is unacceptable, particularly as it leaves many rural residents and businesses isolated during icy or snowy conditions,” he said.
Cllr Jones said he had taken matters into his own hands in the short term, personally collecting and distributing salt around Llanfair Caereinion and Llanerfyl to improve safety on untreated routes.
He added that he had written to the county council calling for salt bins to be installed in “strategic rural locations”, which would allow communities to access salt earlier in the season. However, he acknowledged that changes to policy would “not happen overnight”.
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Some residents have already begun working together to buy their own bins in preparation for future winters.
“If this is something you are interested in, please let me know and I will ensure the bins are filled,” Cllr Jones said.
Powys County Council has been approached for comment.
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