A WESTBURY businessman is calling for the resignation of Forest MP Mark Harper in protest against inadequate gritting of the A48 in the icy weather.

Coal merchant Geoff Sterry told the Review on Wednesday he had been on the side of the A48 since 5.45am and had not seen a single gritter.

"I have been here for four hours now and the gritter still has not gone through," said Mr Sterry.

"All the food supply lorries come down the A48 to avoid the Severn Bridge tolls so we need to keep the roads safe.

"The only time people will realise how bad things have got is when we run out of food in the shops. I have been in this business for 32 years and this is the first time I have made the decision not to take my trucks out on the road.

"Our tax money is wasted by the idiots who are running the country."

Mr Sterry said he had been told the council had failed to order sufficient salt stocks to meet demand.

He put a blackboard up at the side of the A48 saying "Welcome to our third world country, no salt" and "No salt, no Mark Harper."

Gloucestershire police reported receiving more than 60 collision reports in the icy weather.

The county council said gritting teams were out from Tuesday afternoon, salting all primary and secondary routes (A, B and some C roads) including access to major villages. Teams there were also spot salting dangerous patches throughout the night, caused by water run-off from fields and hills.

Council leader Barry Dare, said: "Gloucestershire County Council has received salt stores and has returned to gritting normally.

"However, people must still take care on icy roads. Whilst our gritting cuts the risk of ice forming, it can never eliminate it.

 "Ice is an invisible danger. The council will do everything it can – but motorists must play their part and drive safely."