SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has won national praise for the way it responded during the severe weather earlier this year.

In the official, independent review into how the country’s transport networks fared during the worst winter in over thirty years, the unitary authority was held up as a good example to follow for the way it acted.

The review, which was carried out at the request of the Government, said South Gloucestershire’s good winter maintenance of roads meant it could handle the freezing temperatures and heavy snow fall.

The report said: "It managed to keep roads clear of snow and ice, react to public and business needs, assist neighbouring authorities and maintain salt stocks. The service drew compliments from public and councillors."

Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: "Keeping the roads clear during winter months is vitally important. The council has invested in staff and equipment to help ensure that this happens, and it’s pleasing that our approach has been held up as an example that colleagues in other local authorities can learn from. We’re not getting complacent though, and will continue to look at how we can improve our efforts further.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank street care staff for their tremendous hard work during this period."