Gritters gear up for harsh winter

A COUNCIL has stockpiled enough salt to grit a route to Australia and back as it prepares for the onset of another harsh winter.

Last winter, a total of 2,928 tonnes of rock salt was used on 106 precautionary salting runs in North East Lincolnshire, treating 20,681 miles of road – the equivalent of travelling from Grimsby to Australia and back.

The borough is gearing up for another cold snap and its fleet of gritting lorries have been put through their paces as part of plans to keep roads open and usable.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jason Longhurst, head of development services at the council, said: “We’re continually improving our response to severe winter weather and each year we take stock of what we’ve learned from previous winters.

“We have adequate salt stocks in place and are prepared for the upcoming winter.

“A vital part of the winter service plan is the role played by town and parish councils, community groups and volunteers if the borough is hit by severe weather.

“I’m very grateful for all the good will that’s been demonstrated in previous winters in minimising the impact of adverse weather on our communities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Once again we’ll be providing town and parish councils with advice on techniques used to tackle snow and ice safely and also providing them with the tools to do it.”

Coun Ray Oxby, portfolio holder for environment and housing, said: “When we talk about salting the roads and clearing snow from footpaths, it’s easy to forget that people are out working at all hours of day and night to keep the roads passable for the travelling public and businesses.”

The council is also urging residents to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours.

Coun Oxby added: “If everyone does their bit and heeds any warnings given when the bad weather hits, hopefully we can all enjoy what winter brings rather than endure it.”