True grit applied

With a fresh fall of snow forecast for this evening, the county council's gritting teams will be out and about once again to ensure the roads are safe.

Today marks the 17th consecutive day that the council’s gritters have been out, salting both main and snow routes, and they have already been out during the day spreading a layer of salt in readiness for the predicted snowfall.

Two runs are planned for tonight, beginning at around 7pm and day shift drivers will be reporting for duty at 6am tomorrow when a decision will be taken on whether to make another run.

The council has 23 gritters across the county, each covering a route that takes them around three or four hours.

In addition, 11 other vehicles have been fitted with snow ploughs in readiness for heavy snow.

Householders are being asked to help the gritters in their task by, wherever possible, not parking their cars on the road.

Residents are also being reminded that the salt in council-supplied yellow grit bins are for use on roads and pavements and not on their own drives.

The council is also urging people to be good neighbours and help clear residential roads, paths and pavements by following the Government’s Snow Code – which gives clear advice on clearing snow and ice safely.