Elderly and vulnerable people could be put at risk if grit bins stopped being filled according to a council leader.

Cromer Mayor Tim Adams described the proposal raised as part of a cost cutting programme by Norfolk County Council as 'shameful.'

The town council has raised concerns over the impact of the planned savings on local services in response to the budget consultation.

Currently Cromer Town Council provides grit bins, which the county council is responsible for filling.

Mr Adams said their would be an 'expectation' that parish councils would provide the service if the county council stopped doing so.

He added: 'Shamefully this is viewed as a soft target for budget reductions. In my opinion, it really would be silly for NCC to cut back here given the expectation will be put upon parish/town councils to step in, there will be no saving for the tax payer whatsoever.

'There are a lot of elderly and frail people living in the area and it would be a big worry if the pavements are not safe underfoot. Hopefully, if it comes to it, parish councils will be able to work in partnership to secure the best deal.'

More than 900 responses were following the consultation launch in October, with people giving their views on a range of proposals that add up to a £123m package of savings over the next three years.

A decision on the budget is due to be made at a full council meeting on February 22.