A town will see new grit bins installled thanks to a councillor dipping into his community fund.

Kent County Council (KCC) Cllr Tom Cannon has concentrated their dispersal in residential areas so that roads and pavements can be kept safe.

Fourteen containers have now been put in and filled with salt and Cllr Cannon hopes another six will follow.

He said the Allington area had become a "grit bin desert", a situation that became clear when snow fell before Christmas last year before a prolonged cold snap.

The Conservative member for Maidstone Central said he has focused on areas with schools, families and retirees.

Cllr Cannon said: “Last winter, I was contacted by so many residents during the pre-Christmas snow regarding the treacherous residential roads and pavements.

"Working with residents I found a range of locations for new bins that have been assessed by KCC Highways and are now due to be installed.

"Cutbacks have meant KCC can't install new grit bins but I believe it is a priority and so I was willing to use my limited community fund to get these in place for my residents.

"I have focused a lot of my efforts here where there are schools, families and retirees. People need to get about when we have heavy snow and ice build up it is that simple.

He added: "The local KCC Highways team for Maidstone team based at Aylesford does a great job on the A-roads but I wanted to get more in place for the residential roads."

Cllr Cannon pleaded for people to use the grit only for public roads and pavements - not private driveways.