Gritters ready for the winter weather

Leicestershire County Council says they are ready to tackle the winter, with their gritters going out for the first time this week.

The authority received its first delivery of salt last month as it looks to build up its salt levels to more than 18,000 tonnes in preparation for the cold snap. 

The salt has been sent to barns in Melton, Misterton, Mountsorrel, Market Harborough and Nailstone where gritters will roll out as required to keep the county’s roads moving.

Councillor Trevor Pendleton, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “As well as ensuring that people have access to our highways and cycle lanes during the pandemic, we have recently been preparing to tackle the winter season. 
“Our team provided an excellent service last winter and were called out 66 times - spreading more than 8,000 tonnes of salt – and we are keen to minimise any potential disruption. 
“We will monitor the weather constantly and if freezing temperatures are forecast, our fleet of gritters will be ready to treat major roads and key routes, which equate to more than half of the county's road network.”

There are also a number of snow wardens based in communities across the county who grit paths, as well as farmers who during deep snow, fit ploughs to their tractors and assist the council in clearing roads.

The authority say they're working with parish and town councils to encourage more people to sign-up to its Snow Warden Scheme and help keep the county moving during the winter.

Residents are also being encouraged to prepare themselves for the cold season by following a few simple steps:
•    Familiarise yourself with the gritting routes and keep up to date with local weather using the local radio or following the council on Twitter;
•    Make sure you have your seasonal flu vaccination. Washing your hands will help avoid transmitting coronavirus, cold and flu viruses. Free flu vaccines are offered to people considered to be at risk, more information can be found by visiting www.nhs.uk/staywell/
•    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.