Transport chiefs raged at suppliers starving the city of salt yesterday as they fought a desperate battle to stop the city grinding to a halt.
With main roads starting to ice up after heavy overnight snow and more forecast, the gritting fleet were under orders to treat only grid routes as salt stocks dwindled and repeated calls to suppliers went unanswered.
At lunchtime Milton Keynes Council was down to 650 tons of salt – enough for just six more runs by crews – and facing the prospect of afternoon snow storms and night-time temperatures predicted to plummet to minus 8C.
"I am pulling my hair out because there is nothing else we can do," said council cabinet member for transport Councillor Alan Mallyon.
"The company that supplies us with salt is blanking us at the moment – they're not answering the phone.
"We have 1800 tons on order and it should have been delivered this week."
The council was turning to the government for help.
Gritting crews had been instructed to ignore estate and side roads for the time being and concentrate on the grid.
"It is essential we keep the main arteries open," Mr Mallyon said. "I believe we have done a good job up to now."
Tireless council workers ploughed and gritted through Tuesday night and were out again after 9am yesterday, aiming to ensure the grid was passable with care.
Police advised drivers across the region not to travel unless it was absolutely vital and many heeded the warning and stayed home.
Those who ventured out did so cautiously, keeping speeds down to 20mph or below.
Bus operator Arriva ran services across the city early yesterday, but some rural services were suspended.
Trains were running but to amended timetables and Network Rail said passengers should check the situation before heading for the station.
A total of 110 schools were closed and council refuse collection workers and street cleaners were diverted to snow clearing.
A council spokesman said: "There are no service disruptions to meals-on-wheels or sheltered housing services.
"We have contingency plans in place and everyone will be looked after."
Residents were urged to check the council website -
www.milton-keynes.gov.uk - for weather updates.
A spokeswoman at Milton Keynes Hospital said: "It's business as usual here.
Staff have got in and outpatient clinics and operations are going ahead as normal.
"But we are saying to people with appointments, if they feel they don't want to come out then to ring in and cancel."
Health services urge people to keep warm to stay well during the freeze.
Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Diane Gray says snow and cold present everyone with challenges but those with long-term health conditions should take extra care.
NHS Milton Keynes says people should set heating to the right temperature - between 18 and 21 degrees centigrade - and eat nutritious hot meals and have plenty of hot drinks.
It points out coughs, colds and tummy bugs are usually caused by viruses which antibiotics cannot cure and the local pharmacist should be the first port of call.
The experts warn that conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) can worsen during cold weather and sufferers should be extra vigilant in taking care of them.
People with COPD can sign up to the Met Office Healthy Outlook system via their GP practice and get a weekly COPD risk forecast. Automated phone messages warn of weather that might worsen symptoms.
"If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during the cold weather to make sure they are safe and well," the health service advises.
