SBC – We’re ready for winter

Local authorities were left searching around for stocks of grit salt last Christmas and New Year as the country almost ground to a halt in the face of the worst snow and ice in years.

But the Council has used its excellent links with the country's main suppliers to completely re-stock its reserves and currently has 1,200 tonnes in its main store.

Free grit salt has already been distributed to 150 key locations such as doctor's surgeries, care homes and sheltered housing complexes in advance of the oncoming cold snap.

And residents are being reminded that they can purchase 20kg bags of grit salt for £6.50 from the Council's Central Depot in Eastern Avenue so they have their own emergency supply.

All grit bins across the borough have also been re-stocked and several new ones have been placed at key locations in the town.

The Council has also recently revised its priority gritting routes to ensure that main roads in and out of the town and routes used by buses and emergency vehicles are kept clear.

Gritting resources will also be concentrated on pedestrian crossings, main shopping streets and roads next to schools and hospitals.

Tony Cox, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Waste, said: "We have taken the step of ordering more grit salt than we did last year to make sure we are ready for this winter.

"We are monitoring the current weather conditions very closely and will be in a position to mobilise quickly when required.

"Last year's snow and ice caught everyone by surprise but we coped well in extreme adversity and we're ready to respond this year if the same conditions return, as predicted.

"We can't grit every single road in the borough but we will do our best to ensure the town keeps moving.

"In addition to this we are encouraging residents to keep their paths, driveways and pavements clear by making salt and grit available for purchase.

"There will be a restriction of one 20kg bag per household while stocks last as we want to try and make sure everyone has access to a supply.

"I would also ask people to keep a neighbourly eye on elderly or vulnerable residents and to help them clear a path through snow and ice on their driveways and pavements if conditions are bad."

More details about the Council's priority gritting routes and how to help yourself and others during adverse weather can be found by visiting our Winter Gritting Page