IT is only possible to treat a small proportion of the roads and pathways in Shropshire but main roads should be treated.

But Shropshire Council says that all A and B roads are on the rota for salting and pre-treating ahead of predicted ice and snow.

The council says that it will also treat major town centres like Ludlow as well has high risk areas.

Well used cycle ways and footpaths are also on the list for treatment.

But because the county has many miles of isolated roads, just 28 per cent of the total road network gets treated.

The council says that keeping the roads clear during a cold snap involves a lot of different people, and is an expensive business, so it has to prioritise.

Where possible roads are treated ahead of freezing conditions or snow fall in order to stop ice or snow accumulating.

Treatment is very isolated areas where there is little traffic using roads can be a particular problem as the movement of vehicles helps to keep roads clear of ice and snow.