Weather warning

MOTORISTS across Leicestershire are being urged to take extra care when travelling across the county this week.

The Met Office has warned that more snow will continue to fall during the week and Leicestershire County Council is ready to treat the main routes to keep the county moving.

To combat the spate of cold weather, gritting teams are out to treat the roads.

However, not every route is treated and residents have been advised to consider if they need to make a journey and if so be prepared for challenging driving conditions on many roads.

Coun Blake Pain, cabinet member for highways, said: “We are keen to minimise disruptions on the road and while not all of the highways network is gritted, we would urge the public to be extra careful on their commutes and keep to the main routes when travelling.

“We are constantly monitoring the weather 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.”

In addition to the gritters, there are also a number of snow wardens based in communities across the county who grit paths, as well as farmers who during deep snow, fit ploughs to their tractors and assist the council in clearing roads. The county council also has a team of volunteer 4x4 drivers who will be on hand to deliver hot meals to the elderly, as well as help carers and health visitors reach their patients if there is prolonged heavy snowfall.