RURAL residents that were snowed in last year for 21 days have been told that they do not qualify for a new grit bin.

People living in remote Cow Ark in the Ribble Valley have been campaigning for a grit bin, which has historically been located in the tiny village, to be put back into use.

But after an eight-month fight this year since last year's record winter county council bosses have snubbed their requests.

Resident Debbie Wright said the grit bin was essential in making sure that the rural roads, which are not on the priority gritting routes, remained safe during frosty spells.

But county hall bosses said that a review of grit bins in Lancashire meant that many communities would have extra supplies this year.

And initiatives, such as allowing farmers to clear snow-filled country lanes and utilising council staff to clear town centres, are being put in place to avoid last year's problems.

Mrs Wright said: "We have been asking for a grit bin for eight months and finally we've been given an answer and it was no.

"They've taken so long to decide and then it was no anyway because we didn't meet the criteria.

"There has always been a grit bin but it hasn't been used by the council for years but it is needed by the residents. The lanes can be treacherous if we cannot put salt down."

Coun Tim Ashton said: “We have reassessed the way that we cope with major snow events and cold spells like we had last year and changes have been made to make sure that the key areas are best served.

"This year we have 50 per cent more grit in stock and we have been in negotiations with district councils to make sure that, for example, if a bin man cannot work because the roads are frozen he is helping clear the town centre."