County’s fleet of 30 gritters gearing up for worst of winter

THE county’s gritters are now on standby ready for winter.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s gritting teams and fleet of 30 gritters went into full-time standby across four depots yesterday.

This means they are ready to be called out at any time adverse weather arrives.

Other services in “winter mode” include drainage, forestry, flooding and emergency response teams.

For drainage teams, storms and flooding can lead to a spike in demand for their services, and when trees are blown down, the forestry team will be called out.

The emergency response team can be called on to deal with anything from managing road closures to delivering sandbags and putting out flood boards.

Councillor John Cottee, chairman of the communities and place committee, said: “Most people may think of gritting when we talk about our winter preparations.

“However, staff across the council work all year round to prepare for the colder months.

“While we are at home with our families, our gritting teams could be out on the county’s roads to keep us safe.

“Of course, winter weather is more than just snow and ice, with storms, heavy rainfall and strong winds far more likely at this time of year.

“Our forestry, drainage and emergency response teams could be called out to fallen trees, blocked drains or incidents on the highway at any time of the year, but we want to recognise that alongside our dedicated gritting teams, the winter period will also mark a busy few months for them.

“We ask that you remember that our staff are giving their all to keep you and your loved ones safe.”