A DUNFERMLINE gran says more needs to be done to make schools safe during icy conditions.

Shona Simpson said conditions last week at both Lynburn and Carnegie primaries were treacherous with parents, carers and youngsters struggling not to slip.

She said the issue meant youngsters were unable to get outdoors during the recent bad weather.

"They are not gritting the playgrounds," she told the Press. "The kids went straight into the school, they have been banned from the playground.

"I contacted the council and got an email back and was advised there were icy conditions at each of the schools. They said they wanted to assure me all appropriate areas had been gritted and salted."

Fife Council’s service manager for roads maintenance, Bill Liddle, said crews had been out in freezing conditions since early last week preparing roads and pavements for the severe weather.

“We are now operating round the clock to keep the roads gritted, working on a priority basis across our 2,600km of Fife’s roads network," he said.

“Communities can help by using their nearest grit bins to help keep pavements clear. We did a full refill of all grit bins in October/November and are now starting to refill on request. If your grit bin is empty, you can request for it to be refilled online at www.fife.gov.uk/gritting.

“We are also helping clear school premises where we can.”

Head of education and children’s services, Shelagh McLean, added: “Our priority is to give children and staff access to schools and our janitorial teams work to prepare a clear pathway in and out of the school building.

“Wherever possible, teams will then grit other areas of the playground, but this will depend on availability of resources at individual schools.”