ESSEX County Council is to host a Snow Summit in March. The national conference will provide a forum for discussion about this year s harsh winter, the impact on the transport network and the council s ability to deal with similar conditions in future yea

ESSEX County Council is to host a Snow Summit in March.

The national conference will provide a forum for discussion about this year's harsh winter, the impact on the transport network and the council's ability to deal with similar conditions in future years. It is the first of its kind in the county.

Local authorities and other interested parties will attend the talks to help identify best practice, while representatives from Scandinavian countries, who deal with harsh weather every year, will be invited to share their expertise.

Given the anger over the lack of available salt for gritting, the issue of where responsibility for keeping the county moving lies will be addressed.

Essex County Council leader, Lord Hanningfield, said: "Essex and other local authorities have done an effective job in tackling the snow and ice this winter. As an innovator Essex County Council is however, always looking forward, testing and sharing best practice and finding ways to improve.

"Our Snow Summit will help us start this process as well as shine a light on the very real issues around responsibility. I urge local authorities and other interested parties to take part in this unique event.