Gritting priorities approved

The order in which Lochaber roads and footpaths will be gritted this winter has been approved by members of Lochaber Area Committee.

A report, available at highland.gov.uk, outlines the current position on Highland Council’s delivery of its 2021/22 winter service and highlights potential impacts that still may arise due to Covid-19.

Lochaber Area Committee chairman Councillor Andrew Baxter said: ‘To prepare for winter in the Highlands, a great amount of planning is required to ensure the gritting policy, winter maintenance team and the equipment and supplies required are in place and ready to be implemented when winter weather arrives.

‘The Highland Council has an approved list of priority routes for treatment and would encourage the public to familiarise themselves with the gritting maps for their area.

‘It isn’t possible to treat every road and path, however, the dedicated Lochaber team work extremely hard to maintain a challenging geographical area.’

Lochaber Area Committee members have approved a plan which includes priority routes and maps. Primary routes are treated first, followed by secondary routes, then all ‘other’ routes as resources permit.

Councillors discussed the priorities, timings and resources available for gritting the Lochaber area network of primary routes, secondary routes and other routes across both Lochaber wards.

Councillor Baxter added: ‘Community self-help will continue to be encouraged under the council’s ‘Winter Resilience’ scheme where communities can submit an application via their community council to carry out footway gritting operations.

‘The council will continue to provide the community with salt/grit, bins, scrapers and reflective waistcoats.

‘It is important to note this does not replace the service provided by the council but allows the community to provide an enhanced level of service.

‘People should think about this now and apply as soon as possible. Particularly with the uncertainty of Covid-19, it would be wise to be plan ahead and be prepared for winter weather.’

Applications for the Winter Resilience scheme can be made at https://www. highland.gov.uk/info/20005/ roads_and_pavements/99/ roads_information/7