A row has broken out at Stoke-on-Trent City Council after Conservative councillors claimed Labour run bosses are refusing to refill community grit bins during a spell of severe winter weather.

As more snow is predicted in the coming days Conservatives councillors are claiming communities could be stranded.

Opposition councillors say grit bins across neighbourhoods have been left empty following several days of icy conditions and won't be refilled to maintain current stock levels.

Deputy leader of Stoke-on-Trent Conservative Group and councillor for Meir South, Faisal Hussain said the Labour administration had failed to prepare for winter.

He said: "Myself and the Conservative Group are disappointed that once again the Labour administration has failed to stock sufficient grit to make our communities safe as well as major gritting routes.

"On Monday all councillors received an email advising that the green community grit bins would be re-stocked but by Tuesday afternoon many Conservative councillors were told by a council officer that grit bins wouldn't be getting re-filled as the council is running short on stock.

"This is the second year running this issue has occurred with mis-management from the Labour administration and a failure to prepare for winter weather leaving councillors and residents angry and frustrated at the lack of preparedness."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has strongly rejected the 'misinformation'.

They state around 350 tonnes of salt were used within a 24-hour period, with each vehicle covering around 210 miles per run. Since Sunday, a total of 2,940 miles have been covered.

Additionally a further 600 tonnes of salt is being delivered in the next few days to allow for gritting operations to continue.

The authority said it is now facing the worst snowfall the city has experienced in 10 years as a result, resources and salt stocks are being carefully managed

Stoke-on-Trent City Council statement in full: "We are committed to doing everything we can to keep the city's streets moving during icy and snowy weather. Gritting operations over the weekend and into the start of this week have been particularly intense. Eight gritter vehicles have completed multiple runs across prescribed routes, using around 350 tonnes of salt within 24 hours. Each vehicle covers 210 miles per run. Since Sunday, 2,940 miles have been covered.

"We are now facing the worst snowfall we have faced in 10 years. The Met Office has predicted that we could have 3.5 inches of snow and temperatures as low as -4°C on Thursday into Friday morning. As a result, we are carefully managing our resources and stock of salt.

"A further 600 tonnes of salt is being delivered today/tomorrow (Wednesday 7 January/Thursday 8 January), which will replenish stocks and allow full gritting operations to continue, including filling community grit bins where requested.

"Unfortunately, we have been made aware of some misinformation circulating regarding the council's salt supplies and gritting operations. It simply isn't true that we have run out of grit.

"As with every winter season, we began this year with sufficient salt stock to carry out gritting actions, with a clear focus on keeping the city's strategic road network safe and operational. As conditions change throughout winter, salt stock is routinely replenished in line with weather forecasts and operational demand – and this year is no different.

"To ensure supplies are managed responsibly ahead of further predicted snowfall later this week, teams are carefully prioritising resources, as they do every winter. Our focus remains on keeping key routes – including main roads, bus routes and emergency access routes – safe and operational.

"Residents are reminded that gritter routes are designed to treat main roads and priority routes. Community grit bins are provided for use on public roads, pavements and footpaths. They should not be used on private driveways or private land, ensuring they remain available for everyone who needs them.

"Gritting operations will continue in full in line with weather conditions and forecasts. Residents are urged to take extra care when travelling during icy conditions and to check council updates for the latest gritting information."