The need for snow ploughs in Bromley is rare, but last week they were employed for the first time in March to combat treacherous conditions.

Snow on Main Road, Biggin Hill was cleared by snow ploughs as well as country lanes.

Over 1000 tonnes of salt was used in the Borough to keep roads as safe as possible.

Councillor William Huntington-Thresher, executive councillor for environment, said: "Our gritting and snow clearance crews have been fantastic as have our waste collection crews and of course, Snow Friends too.

"Thank you to all who helped out, checked on elderly neighbours etc. and especially to residents and others who have taken the time to thank staff for their efforts as this has meant a lot.

“The range of conditions that we’ve seen in just one week was phenomenal but then that is why the weather is such a talking point.

"We focus on the priority routes in the Borough, retreating them regularly to keep them open, so critical services and other traffic can get about. The timing of our salting operations are crucial and we have to rely on the forecasts, seeking to get this work as right as possible.”

Bromley Council used its nine gritting vehicles on the main 200 miles of road last week.

When the Beast from the East was at its most extreme - 280 miles of the 500 miles of Bromley roads were salted.