Nicholas Soames MP has called on all the relevant authorities to convene an urgent meeting to see to it that the most efficient methods and processes are used for gritting and for clearing away the snow in Mid Sussex.

Mr Soames said; “It is clear that the authorities were defeated by the heavy snow and whilst some of this is inevitable they need to urgently get together to work out how to better deal with this very serious problem. It looks likely that over the Christmas holiday period looking at the forecast there are likely to be further difficulties, but keeping the roads working and the commercial life of the towns going, particularly at this very busy time is an absolutely fundamental and basic duty.”

“Judging by the very bad experiences in East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, parts of Burgess Hill and on the rural roads, this is not happening. I have asked for full assurances that there is enough salt, grit, manpower and machinery available to deal with all this.”