DOZENS of calls have been made to Skipton Police from members of the public reporting hazardous driving conditions.

The cold snap has resulted in several back roads being covered in ice.

Richard Marr, divisional engineer for the county council, said Craven had a fleet of around 14 vehicles, which had been deployed to try to keep the roads safe.

However, some of the major roads were having to be treated several times a day.

The back and side roads, which are treated only after 72 hours of continuous sub-zero temperatures, are now beginning to be gritted when resources allow.

But residents in Keasden, Eldroth and Ingleton have complained that there was no sign of a gritter for three days.

County Coun David Ireton, of Ingleton, told the Herald he had received a number of calls about the state of the roads, including problems with getting a milk tanker up the hill to Keasden from Clapham.

Ingleton people had suffered too, as ice made Bell Horse Gate impassable and it was almost impossible to get in and out of the main car park, said Coun Ireton.

Clapham Parish Council clerk Paul Pearce also received complaints. He said: "It was very icy. I tried to ring the local authority's emergency number which didn't answer.

"I also rang the district council's number, which was answered by someone in Pendle. I couldn't find anyone who could do anything about it."

Mr Marr explained: "The problem we have had this week is that although side roads and back roads have been included because of the severe weather, our resources have been concentrating on the major routes. However, we are treating them when we can."