DALES communities have been breathing a sigh of relief after winning a battle for a better deal on the roads.

In the past, Wensleydale has been given top priority in the winter, with gritters spreading salt along the A684 before heading to other areas.

However, it has always been argued that the weather can be just as bad in neighbouring Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

Not everyone has a four- wheel drive and some motorists in the area have had to negotiate treacherous, winding roads, which often have not been fully treated.

However, despite another tough financial settlement with the Government for the coming year, North Yorkshire County Council has agreed to revise its priority list.

Roads through Swaledale have now been included in the top category.

The decision means that the A6108 and B6270 will be gritted the evening before a potential freeze or snowfall, as well as early the following morning.

"This is something I have been pressing for ever since I was first elected to North Yorkshire County Council in 1997," said Councillor John Blackie. "It is the first time for ten years that the authority has agreed to upgrade a major route and it is a significant decision, especially when you consider drivers who have to use roads in Swaledale have been struggling more than most."

Parish councils have also lobbied County Hall on the issue in the past.

Reeth parish councillor James Kendall - who also sits on the Richmondshire district authority - welcomed the news yesterday.

"It is certainly long overdue," he said. "It wasn't so long ago I lost control of my own car on a patch of ice. The repairs cost me £1,000."

Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Business Association chairman Richard Good was also pleased with the decision.

"It's certainly good news, particularly at a time when the county council is struggling with a difficult budget,'' he said.

However, Mr Good said the condition of the roads in the area also needs to be examined.

"Although we appreciate the highways department has a limited amount of cash, our next objective has to be to persuade the authority to look into maintenance in the area," he said