Local MP Russell Brown has hit out at the SNP Scottish Government over the handling of the winter weather crisis and is calling on them to set up a national hotline number for vulnerable people.

The MP says the level of complacency shown by the SNP Government right through the prolonged period of icy weather has been astonishing. He wants the Scottish Government to guarantee the Council will get money needed for extra salt supplies.

He said, “Local people remain astonished by the complacency show by the Scottish Government through this winter weather crisis. They have been amazed by John Swinney’s comments this week that although in our region we are down to our last few grains of salt, there is plenty to go round, and that walking conditions are perfectly adequate.

“The Scottish Government has failed to secure adequate salt supplies in our region and across Scotland. As this extreme weather is forecast to go on they must now ensure we get the salt we need to make our roads safe, and they must guarantee the Council will get the cash needed to pay for extra salt supplies.

“But the complacency goes well beyond the SNP Government’s failure to secure adequate salt supplies. Three weeks into this cold snap and there are thousands of older and vulnerable people in our region who have become virtual prisoners in their homes because it is impossible for them to go out in the icy conditions.

“Many people need urgent help and advice on how to get through this crisis. It has taken three weeks for the Scottish Government to put information on their website. That’s far too late in the day, and it doesn’t go anywhere near far enough.

“Alex Salmond needs to get a grip. The Scottish Government should urgently set up a national telephone helpline to give older and vulnerable people the opportunity to seek help and advice immediately to get them through the cold snap.”