All eight requests for routes to be added to the winter gritting programme in North Yorkshire look set to be rejected.

The decisions, which are due to be ratified next week, come after the council was widely criticised for its response to last winter’s icy conditions when many minor roads were left in treacherous conditions for days.

The council subsequently launched a review into its response in the Harrogate district, which described the heavy snow in January as “an exceptional event” which “challenged” its resources.

Residents and parish councils can ask the council to add roads to its £8.3 million winter maintenance service programme each year.

Of the 21 requests in North Yorkshire, eight were for the Harrogate district. Only one in the entire county — a cross-boundary route at Dent Head — looks set to be pursued and even that is with caveats.

The requests were made by residents, parish councils and local councillors.

In one instance, residents organised a petition — but to no avail.

Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director for environment, and Councillor Malcolm Taylor, the executive member for highways, are due to meet tomorrow to decide whether to accept the recommendations to refuse the requests.

Here are details of the Harrogate district requests.

1 Heyshaw, near Dacre Banks

A total of 23 residents out of population of about 100 people signed a petition asking for the roads in and out of the village to be added to a gritting route as the village can become isolated during icy and snowy conditions. The shortest distance from the centre of the village to a gritted road is about. 1.2 kilometres.

2 Burton Leonard

The request was to upgrade 1,507 metres of residential roads at Grove Avenue, Scarah Lane and part of Limekiln Lane to improve access in and out.

3 Pannal

Local Conservative councillor John Mann asked for the parts of Spring Lane that are not currently on the winter maintenance programme to be included on it. He said this would better connect Burn Bridge to Pannal and reduce the risk of accidents on this inclined road when it is icy or snowy.

4 Careless House Lane, near Bishop Thornton

Part of this route, which serves two farms, is gritted. A resident said the road was difficult to navigate in ice and snow unless you have a 4x4 vehicle and asked for the rest to be upgraded.

5 Aldfield, near Ripon

A resident requested Moor Lane be added to the list to link the roads from Aldfield to the B6265, which is a gritted route. The local resident said the village can be isolated in cold weather.

6 Pateley Bridge

A resident asked for Bishop Way, Bishop Garth and Bishop Close to be included because they are steep and difficult to navigate in ice and snow.

7 Laverton village, near Kirkby Malzeard

The parish council and local councillor requested a short section that runs in front of about 18 properties be added to the list.

8 Asenby, near Topcliffe

A resident requested Park Road be upgraded so people can get out when it snows or is icy.