Volunteers needed to help grit paths in winter

A self-help scheme to keep paths clear over winter needs volunteers.

Perth and Kinross Council is looking for volunteers to grit preagreed sections of footway with a push-along spreader.

Volunteers can be any ablebodied residents wishing to help.

A push-along gritter, hi-visibility waistcoat and a salt and sand supply in a one-tonne bag to be stored under cover will be made available.

Training and guidance will be given in advance.

There will be no specific time requirements for treating the agreed sections and no expectation of the volunteers to be out in severe weather conditions.

No liability will be placed on volunteers provided they have acted reasonably and in accordance with the guidance.

Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, Councillor Ian Campbell said: “Perth and Kinross Council’s winter maintenance policy for roads and pavements is based on a priority system, aiming to provide as broad coverage as possible and minimise the impact of bad weather.

“We are committed to ensuring our winter maintenance programme is the best it can be to give our residents peace of mind.

“To ensure our programme is efficient, we are willing to take an innovative approach and where we are confident new treatment methods can be beneficial we will endeavour to trial them in our area if feasible such as push along spreaders for community use.

“I would also ask our residents to consider volunteering to help with the push-along spreaders.

“The responsibility for the roads and footpath network is huge and any assistance is always welcomed.”

Residents interested in getting involved with the scheme should contact the council’s customer service centre on 01738 475000 in the first instance for further details.