Several villages were cut off and hundreds of residents were stranded at home after snow turned to ice this week. Motorists faced difficult driving conditions on parts of the main trunk roads through the county, while others were unable to get out of outlying villages because minor roads were left untreated.

On Monday a Millendreath resident said 'the chaos could have been avoided.

'We are disgusted that since Friday we have had no access to get out from where we live,' she said.

'The only road in and out of where we live, which is a mile long and a hill, has not been treated or gritted and is sheer ice and black ice. We have not even got a grit bin, so we can't do it ourselves. We did ask for some empty bins and we would fill them ourselves, but were refused that too.'

Millendreath resident Lyn Munt said: 'It was an ice rink. We haven't been able to get in or out. It is not a lot different to a lot of places, but we would be able to do more if we had some grit.'

There were several minor road accidents across South East Cornwall after heavy snow fell on Friday.

A spokesman for Cornwall Council said: 'The highways department targets A and B roads and other strategic routes, as a priority for gritting.

'As lorries become available they are tasked with gaining access to some of the larger villages. Our key concern is to prioritise our resources to the best effect. Cornwall Council is responsible for more than 7,520 kilometres (4,530 miles) of road and it would be impossible for the council workforce to clear every route across Cornwall,' he said.

For some children the snow meant they were able to break up early as many schools were closed on Friday and Monday, meaning they could enjoy the snowy conditions.