BRENT Council has “failed” to keep the borough's streets safe during icy weather, according to an MP.

Barry Gardiner (Lab/Brent North) added his voice to a chorus of criticism, saying the authorities decision to only grit major roads left residential streets “treacherous”.

He said: “I have been contacted by constituents from all parts of Brent North complaining that they have elderly parents trapped indoors, unable to leave the house because the street outside has not been gritted.

“This lack of action has left countless streets in the borough treacherous for walkers and drivers.

“Several of my constituents have injured themselves in the last few days falling in the icy conditions.

“I received similar letters ten months ago when heavy snowfall demonstrated how utterly unprepared Brent Council was for the freezing conditions.”

Earlier this week, Councillor Ann John, of Meadowbank Road, Kingsbury, said she nearly fell while out delivering Christmas cards.

She said: “Everybody knew it was going to snow last week yet Brent Council failed to grit most of the roads across the borough.

“As a result many older people and others with mobility problems will suffer falls or be forced to stay indoors. In addition, road surfaces are so slippery that road accidents are inevitable.”

Jay Davidson, of Queensbury Road, said: “Its simply not practical to tell folks not to venture out - shops will be closed from Friday to Tuesday and its Christmas week so this response leaves me cold. Literally. And wholly unsatisfied.”

Orla Sedze, a spokesman for Brent Council, said: “Brent was well-prepared, with large stocks of salt, and street sweepers have been brought in to help the six vehicles spreading grit.

“So far, the council has done a good job of keeping priority areas as free from ice and snow as could reasonably be expected.

“However, the kind of sudden, heavy snowfall we saw Monday evening has a big impact and disruption is unavoidable. It takes time for snow to melt even on well-gritted roads. “Unfortunately, Brent Council doesn't have the resources to grit every road and pavement in the borough, but we are trying to grit non-priority areas where we can.

“There are 300 boxes around the borough holding salt and grit, and residents and businesses are encouraged to use them to treat areas.”