Councils on road to better gritting

Freezing conditions can hamper getting out and about but new plans are set to make it easier for residents to visit the shops or their doctor during a cold snap.

The temperature is set to fall this week but to keep Leicestershire moving during a big chill, the County Council has been working with district councils to boost gritting and snow and ice clearing in town centres.

This year when the mercury plummets below zero, district council workers will use grit and equipment provided by the County council to clear pavements and footpaths in town centres.

These improvements build on previous ad-hoc set ups and have been brought in following last year's unprecedented winter.

Lesley Pendleton, County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Last winter, a staggering 16,500 tonnes of salt and grit helped to keep Leicestershire's highways moving during the most severe winter for 30 years and our gritter drivers worked round-the-clock, taking to the roads over 70 times.

"We were praised for this but wanted to respond to concerns about the gritting of pavements and town centres and are working more closely with district councils. We have also included advice on clearing paths in our winter gritting leaflet, available from council offices and the website.

"Keeping the roads and pavements clear is vital to ensure safe movement of traffic and make sure that people can get to work, schools and other key services. It also contributes to reducing accidents and injuries to both people and property."

Leicestershire’s grit barns are stocked up, ready to keep the county’s road network up and running during an icy snap.

A total of 15,000 tonnes is housed across the County Council's five grit barns - this is more than enough to last throughout the winter, 25% more than this point last year, and would fill over 20 standard-size swimming pools.

When ice is forecast, nearly half of the road network is treated including most A roads, some B and C class roads, major commuter and bus routes and as far as is possible, at least one route into all Leicestershire villages.

The County Council has 17 gritters which spread roughly 150 tonnes of the special salt and molasses mix each every night, covering around 1,200 miles.

To find out more about gritting routes or pick up a map, please visit www.leics.gov.uk/gritting, call 0116 305 0001 or pick up a copy from local libraries and council offices.