Farmers helping gritters in Leicestershire

Farmers in Leicestershire are helping the county's gritters by going out with snow ploughs

Leicestershire County County say they have a network of farmers with snow ploughs out in the region to help clear the snow.

The council's fleet of 21 gritters is working round-the-clock during sub-zero temperatures to treat main routes across the county. The vehicles will be out twice overnight, and throughout the icy snap.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for highways, said: “Our gritters are out day-and-night to help keep the county moving, and we’re working with farmers to clear the snowiest areas. We treat almost half of the network but we would urge people to keep up-to-date with travel advice, and allow extra time and stick to gritted routes if they have to travel.

“We constantly monitor the weather and if freezing temperatures are forecast, our fleet of gritters is ready to treat major roads and key routes.”

Forty-five per cent of the network is treated, including most A roads, some B and C class roads and, as far as is possible, at least one route through villages.               
         
As well as the gritting fleet, the council has:

•             Snow wardens based in communities  gritted paths
•             Farmers fitted snowploughs to their tractors to help clear heavy snow
•             Volunteer 4x4 drivers delivered hot meals to the elderly, and helped carers and health visitors reach their patients

The council is also encouraging residents to:

•          Familiarise yourself with the gritting routes by visiting www.leicestershire.gov.uk/gritting 
•          Check your local school’s website and social media channels in case they have to close
•          If you’re out and about check on an elderly neighbour to make sure they are okay
•          Keep your home warm. Set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed. The county council’s Warm Homes service helps vulnerable people to save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills, for advice visit www.firstcontactplus.org.uk or call 0116 305 4286.