THE council is facing criticism for its gritting service during this week’s cold snap with roads and pavements described as “treacherous.”

Hundreds of people from across the city reacted angrily to a Facebook post by the local authority, on Wednesday evening, saying it, “would continue to grit routes, footways and footbridges overnight.”

One woman described conditions in the Milton area as “the worst” she had ever seen and warned that elderly people would be fearful of leaving their homes for provisions.

There were reports of falls and injuries and one woman said she had crashed her car, with two children in the back driving at no more than 10mph.

READ MORE: Glasgow’s gritters out in full force to treat ‘priority areas’ - is yours one of them?

In Maryhill, children on their way to school were reported to be walking on the roads to avoid the slippery pavements.

A council source said it was unrealistic to expect workers to be able to grit every inch of the city’s streets and driveways.

Others said gritters were too focused on the city centre streets with outlying areas missed out.

One man was encouraging people to like and share the council post “for a chance to have your street gritted.”

However, a council employee blamed poor parking for gritters being unable to access streets, saying: “Please be patient and park safely. Some streets, we can’t get through because of bad parking.”

Another post, directing people to their nearest grit bin also provoked an angry response.

READ MORE: Glasgow’s gritters out in full force to treat ‘priority areas’ - is yours one of them?

Glasgow City Council announced earlier this month that its winter maintenance plan was being “updated and refined” with main roads and bus routes prioritised and the public encouraged to do their bit to keep the city moving, with the use of 1400 grit bins across the city.

As well as gritters and snow ploughs, it has a fleet of almost 200 other vehicles to tackle winter tasks and is using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) for “increased route monitoring.”

Tracy Hyde posted: “Roads are treacherous! This should have been done this morning. Gritters need to be out NOW before there are more accidents. Get a ‘grip’ GCC!”

Another woman said: “Craigton G52 area not gritted last night resulting in my husband having a bad fall and now off work, appreciate people can do their own paths but don’t think we should be responsible for all the pavements and certainly not the roads.”

Stewart Grant said: “Muirshiel Avenue and surrounding area hasn’t been done at all since the cold weather kicked in a few weeks back.

READ MORE: Glasgow’s gritters out in full force to treat ‘priority areas’ - is yours one of them?

“Just watched a couple of cars skid out and a lady slip on the pavement walking up Muirshiel Crescent. Ridiculous.

Lisa-Marie Learmont said: “Milton area is worse than I’ve ever seen it, lots of vulnerable people (elderly, disabled etc) in this area who are now stuck at home unable to get provisions. The whole area is always missed, especially the non-main streets where most of the most vulnerable people live.”

Margaret Kerr posted: “Balfluig street it like a ice rink cars sliding down it total disgrace.”

Angie Hunter posted: “G52 area is a disgrace. The elderly will not be able to get out. There are not even any grit in the bins that are around the streets it’s a joke.”

Tracy Short posted: “Just get them out all over Glasgow its going to be brutal for kids and the elderly to walk I’m in Wellhouse and so far no saw any.”

Alison Bell posted: “Lochburn Road in Maryhill is like a skating rink on roads and pavements. It’s a bloody disgrace, not seen a gritter once.”

Responding to the post that gritters would be working overnight, Stephen McFall said: “Overnight? After the accidents.”

Councillor Anna Richardson, responsible for sustainability and carbon reduction with the council, said: “Residents can be assured that we always prioritise main roads and bus routes to ensure the city continues to move and that necessary journeys can be undertaken safely. In addition to this crucial work, we encourage residents to make use of local grit bins on the streets in their own neighbourhoods.

READ MORE: Glasgow’s gritters out in full force to treat ‘priority areas’ - is yours one of them?

“Priority routes that will be gritted first include those to schools, hospitals, police and fire stations, bus depots, city centre precincts, steep hills, Park & Ride stations and bus stations and garages.

“We have staff on duty around the clock, so action can be taken and we monitor weather forecasts as well as road conditions, and residents can play their part too. We have in place some 1400 grit bins located across the city for the public to use on their footways, paths and you can also pick up small (10kg max) of grit from depots and parks.

“Locating your nearest grit bin in advance of any bad weather means we are all prepared.”

In the severe winter of 2010, the city council spent £4m on its effort to keep traffic moving.

Last month West Dunbartonshire Council announced that the public would be encouraged to grit pavements and streets.