Grit barn stocks replenished to make county road network safer this winter

Leicestershire County Council has stepped up winter preparations with 16,500 tonnes of salt ready for roads, more than 1,300 miles of gritting routes in place and £17M invested in flood protection.

Residents are also being encouraged to prepare now, by checking flood risks, planning ahead for freezing conditions, getting vaccinated and looking out for vulnerable neighbours.

When temperatures drop below freezing, gritting crews stand ready to treat more than 1,300 miles of priority routes across the county, using an average of 130 tonnes of salt each night, enough to cover a distance equivalent to a journey from County Hall in Glenfield to Rome.

Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray, cabinet member for highways, said: “Getting ready for winter is one of the most important jobs we do at the county council.

“From keeping our roads gritted during cold and icy conditions, to getting you flood ready and vaccinated against winter illnesses, now is the time to get prepared.”

The risk of flooding is much higher when extreme weather conditions hit and residents are urged to get prepared now by learning the flood risk level of their home or business, creating a flood plan and signing up for weather alerts.

Over the past year, the county council has spent an additional £2M on boosting flood resilience, such as a widespread drain clearance programme, grants for parishes in high-risk areas and the use of natural resources to mitigate impact.