by political editor Paul Francis

County road chiefs fear that supplies of salt stockpiled for Kent roads and pavements could be sent to help authorities suffering shortages in the continuing cold snap.

Cllr Nick Chard, Kent County Council cabinet member for highways, said there were reports the Government wanted to redirect supplies to areas worst hit by the snow and ice.

The warning comes as forecasters say the south east is poised for another spell of bad weather on Tuesday.

"If abnormal weather conditions continue, we have a concern that additional salt we have ordered to replace the stocks we have used may be re-directed by central government to other parts of the country who have less salt stocks than Kent," said Cllr Chard.

It is not clear whether the reports that authorities could be forced to hand over supplies they have ordered are accurate.

Meanwhile, KCC has moved to counter some criticism over its failure to grit pavements in towns and villages, saying it had to concentrate on keeping the roads clear. The authority has had to fend off complaints from many parts of the county that it has failed to do enough to tackle icy pavements and protect pedestrians.

Cllr Chard said: "We are mindful of how difficult it has been in the towns. We are working actively with our public and voluntary sector partners and local shopkeepers to help clear the pavements of snow.

"Today we are out salting town centres. We will continue to salt pavements where we are able to, but our priority has to be to keep the main roads open."

It was more important that roads were kept clear for traffic, he added.

"We have concentrated our efforts on keeping the major roads open because these roads are critical for the residents of Kent. Our priority has to be to keep these roads safe and reduce road fatalities."

He urged people to restrict car journeys if they could ahead of the forecast of a fresh spell of wintry conditions.