A Conservative-led county council is demanding answers after one of North Wiltshire District Council gritting lorries was loaned out to Swindon Borough Council last winter.

Melksham councillors Terry Chivers and Angie Barker want to know why some of the county's roads were left untreated when vital gritting equipment went on loan to Swindon.

They are also asking for assurances from the county council that Wiltshire roads will not be left out next winter.

Cllr Chivers said: "This is a very important matter and it is not acceptable to loan such vital equipment out and put the lives of our own residents at risk.

"Last winter I received endless phone calls and complaints from local residents and parish councils all concerned at the state of Wiltshire roads and asking why they had not been treated."

The councillors have been told that this lorry was part of a reserve fleet.

Cllr Barker said: "As a county council, we should have a duty to ensure that roads are gritted to the highest standard.

"All main roads and bus routes must be kept frost free, and this will not happen if you lend vital equipment out to other councils.

"I am all for partnership working at levels of local government but not when it puts lives at risk in Wiltshire."