COUNCIL chiefs have responded to criticism over the treacherous state of many footpaths on the fringes of Darlington town centre.

John Dobson, from Darlington, said: “The walk down past the Cornmill multi-storey car park, specifically over the River Skerne, leading onto the stretch between the two pedestrian crossings on St Cuthbert’s Way is heavily used by pedestrians, yet the council hasn’t seen fit to grit it at all during the recent icy spell.

“I have seen several people slip on there because it has been so icy.

“The council’s own website states that apart from main shopping areas and some busy streets, footpaths are not routinely treated during frosty conditions unless the weather is very bad for a prolonged period of time and resources permit.

“This begs the question what do the council regard as a prolonged period of time and when do resources permit exactly?”

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said: “Winter gritting of roads is our priority to ensure they are clear for emergency services and public transport.

“Where bad weather persists, and our resources allow, we can then look at gritting footpaths in key areas such as near old people's homes.

“We look at each request for footpath gritting on its own merits taking into consideration priority needs across the Borough."