RESIDENTS should ‘get out and clean’ icy pavements in their communities themselves, according to a leading councillor.

Conservative Alan Cottam, who is responsible for Blackburn and Darwen’s highways, was responding to criticism from Blackburn MP Jack Straw over the state of the borough’s roads and pavements.

But critics said Coun Cottam’s comments were ‘highly insensitive and quite inappropriate’, coming 11 days after the death of Blackburn schoolgirl Naeemah Achha who was injured when she fell in icy conditions in Victoria Street.

A friend of Naeemah’s family called on him to resign.

Asked whether he would be changing the policy not to grit side streets and pavements, Coun Cottam said: “There will be no change.

"We will cover retail cores in the town centres, and deal with some specific requests.

“But we can’t change our policy on footpaths throughout the borough.

“If pavements are slippery the people that live there should get out and clean them.”

The executive member for regeneration, also promised changes to the way the council responds to snow and ice.

But he said he would not reveal details before May’s local and general elections in case his ideas were ‘stolen’ by Labour Party rivals.

Mr Straw, who asked for a ‘full investigation’ into the council’s gritting strategy, said he believed there had been ‘serious failings’ by the council in not ordering enough grit before Christmas.

He said: “I think it is quite inappropriate and highly insensitive for anyone to make such remarks just days after Naeemah Achha’s death.”

Hussain Akthar, a former councillor and friend of the Achha family, called for Mr Cottom’s resignation.

He said: “Naeemah’s parents and the local community are still very aggrieved by what has happened.

“Mr Cottom should not be making sour comments such as these and blaming the local community for the state of the streets when a family is still in mourning.

“The council needs to improve its services.

“It is not the job of the community and if Mr Cottom can’t do the job then he should step down and let someone else do it.”

Labour opposition group leader Kate Hollern said: “I accept people could be clearing their paths but the most dangerous ones were around schools, sheltered accommodation and bus stops.

“What is he expecting these people to do?”