As the cold weather looks set to return to Wales, Caerphilly County Borough Council has admitted it only has a stock of 700 tonnes of grit.
If fully stocked the council would have 4,000 tonnes but has said securing new stocks continues to be a problem.
Councillor Rob Gough, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “We are doing everything we can to make sure the council is geared up in case the bad weather returns.
“Securing new salt supplies is difficult, so we are trying to procure alternative products which are not as effective in our gritting vehicles, but they can be used to fill salt bins on residential estates or spread by hand in town centres.
“Our fleets of vehicles will once again focus on gritting the main highway network so inevitably there will be side roads and residential areas that remain untreated so we would urge motorists and pedestrians to take extra care in these conditions,”
Cllr Judith Pritchard, cabinet member for social services, said: “I would urge local people to keep in touch with family members and neighbours who may be frail or in need of support in these difficult conditions.
“During the last cold spell many council staff walked long distances or used 4×4 vehicles to deliver key services to our most vulnerable and it would be great if we all showed this type of resolve and demonstrated a true sense of community spirit by helping others to clear paths or run errands.”