Concerns have been raised about gritting in rural areas of Powys after the council did not provide salt heaps for the first time in years.

Powys County Council has been criticised for not providing salt heaps for rural areas for the first time, meaning that paths and roads in villages could be left in treacherous condition.

Residents who contacted the County Times about the issue said that this was the first time this was not done in decades and accused the council of failing in its “duty of care” for rural areas.

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They raised concerns that this would have a dangerous effect on local footpaths and roadways making them potentially hazardous for children and the elderly.

Powys County Council confirmed that its highways team was instead prioritising work to prevent flooding after last month’s storms.

The council confirmed that that it would be looking to replenish the heaps at their “earliest convenience” and said that this was usually done for prolonged periods of cold weather.

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A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “The council provides salt/grit bins or heaps for self-help purposes and are generally situation on the minor road and footway networks.

“We are currently replenishing the salt/grit bins but have not currently replenished the heaps as we have done in previous years.

"This is due to the council prioritising ditching, culvert clearances and drainage grips works following the storm events the county experienced last month.

“The heaps are usually replenished when there is a prolonged period of cold and dry weather. We will endeavour to complete this task at our earliest convenience.”