Gritters have been out in force this winter

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council’s gritters have covered around 39,000 miles treating the roads and keeping the county moving.

Since the beginning of November a total of 21 gritters and drivers have been out spreading 3,737 tonnes of rock salt across 39,000 miles of road to combat the drop in temperature.

The gritting teams will remain on duty as long as Met Office warnings forecast low temperatures and a chance of ice overnight.

It is not just the council’s crews who have been out gritting to ensure a safer passage on the road network. Farmers and snow wardens across the county have also been making a difference.

Since Sunday (December 10), a total of 10 tractors with plows fitted have been out clearing minor roads and rural routes, while a number of snow wardens have been clearing paths and spreading rock salt on pavements for residents.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for highways, said: “It has been a challenging time for the county due to the recent spate of snow and ice.

“I would like to thank the public for its patience while we have treated the roads, and where possible, for keeping to main routes when travelling. A special mention also has to go to our highways team, the farmers and snow wardens who have gone above and beyond to help others during this period of winter weather.

“We 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 almost half of the county’s road network.”

The county council is also encouraging residents 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 cold and flu viruses. Free vaccines are offered to people considered to be at risk of flu, 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.

For more information on winter maintenance in Leicestershire, and for advice about winter driving and snow clearance of the paths outside your property, visit www.leicestershire. gov.uk/gritting or follow the council on Twitter @LeicsCountyHall