Leader praises gritting teams

The effort put in by the Big County’s gritting teams have drawn special praise from the leader of the council.

Cllr Murray Lyle has lauded road gritting personnel for their efforts after the recent stretch of Arctic weather.

He declared that their dedication is“hugely appreciated,”noting that some people have worked over three weeks straight without a break.

Gritting teams have been out every day since the turn of the year because of the wintry conditions.

It has been calculated that by January 18, the council had used 18,000 tonnes of salt on roads and footways around Perth and Kinross.

More than a quarter of that – 3500 tonnes – was used in a single week between January 11 and 18.

Cllr Lyle said:“Although people should only be travelling for essential purposes, it is still necessary for our crews to get out and treat roads and footways when conditions are bad.

“This means they are out before any roads have been treated to make sure conditions are as safe as can be for other drivers and pedestrians.”

Cllr Lyle added:“The gritting teams work seven days a week when the weather is at its worst and their dedication is hugely appreciated.

“I am personally aware that some staff have worked more than three weeks without a break which is great credit to them.

“It is an extremely difficult job but one that is absolutely vital and I would like to express my thanks to all those who have been working extremely hard to keep the roads clear this winter.”

Grit bins across Perth have also been refilled by crews with assistance from external contractors, community justice and housing repairs staff and a number of one-tonne bags of grit have been placed in strategic locations for use by members of the public.