EVERY salt bin must be checked and filled throughout the winter months to prevent chaos on icy roads, say Lakes parish councillors.

After hearing reports of empty salt bins and problems experienced by motorists, they decided to complain to Cumbria County Council, calling for every salt bin to be checked, and for assurances that salt will be available for the rest of the winter.

"People are paying their community charge to the county, and they have a right to get a service equal to those in urban situations," said Coun Elizabeth Braithwaite.

Coun Donald Cook praised Ambleside fire-fighters who, in six inches of snow, used a digger to get traffic moving up Smithy Brow.

On New Year's Eve, below Brathay Bridge, he said motorists with spades were struggling to salt the road because the salt-pile was frozen solid.

They eventually managed to free some salt and gravel.

Stressing that he did not wish to criticise anybody, Coun Cook asked who was responsible for salting footpaths.

Clerk Robin Martakies said it was CCC's responsibility in Ambleside.

Coun Anne Sowerbutts said a resident of Blue Hill Road, Ambleside, had complained to her about a holiday-maker who emptied the salt bin into plastic sacks for his own holiday home.

When challenged by neighbours, his response was: "Tough."

She said residents would be delighted if the salt bin could be filled.

Coun Sowerbutts also complained that gritters had not visited Ambleside suffiently early in the day.

Ambleside had been "absolute chaos" during the wintry weather, said Coun George Middleton, with cars damaged, people falling and breaking their wrists, and one man breaking his collarbone.

There had been a lack of salt for motorists visiting Little Langdale, said Coun John Birkett, where four people required carers.