11/12/2008

Withdrawal Of Gritters Leave Derry Roads Treacherous

An urgent meeting has been organised between local representatives and the Roads Service over the suspension of road gritting in parts of Londonderry.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster this morning, local headmaster, Garry Matthewson, said things had been very difficult at his school this week - especially so as it is located on a hillside.

"Monday in particular was very bad," he said, as the busy road leading to Holy Family Primary in Ballymagroarty was treacherous.

"The gritting process is vital," he said, but it has suspended after stones were thrown at its lorries.

It is believed groups of youths hurled bottles and other missiles at the vehicles in the Ballymagroarty area of Derry at the weekend.

A spokesman said it had withdrawn its evening gritting service and gritters will now be sent out in Ballymagroarty in the early morning.

He said there had been several attacks on gritters in the past two weeks.

Now, local politicians and the Road Service will hold crisis talks on Monday to try to reach a solution, as cold weather again hits the North West.

(BMcC)

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