As winter approaches, Cumberland Council is calling on residents to put their creative thinking caps on and help name the 5 gritters that will keep our roads safe and passable through the frosty months ahead.
These gritters, all driven by members of Cumberland Council’s Highway team, play a vital role in making roads safer during the colder months. This light-hearted yet meaningful competition is a fun way to engage the community while spotlighting the crucial work of the Council’s Highway team.
This year, there's an extra special gritter to name in honour of BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Mike Zeller, who has built a strong relationship with the Council and Cumberland Highways over the past 13 plus years. The council is looking for a creative, pun-filled name for Mike Zeller’s gritter, which will join the fleet of vehicles sporting names that have brought smiles in previous years, such as David Ploughie, Ready Spreadie Go, and Spready Mercury.
Residents can participate by voting via email at media@cumberland.gov.uk or online through the Council’s Facebook page at @CumberlandCouncil1 or on the Highways X page @CumberlandRoads. The deadline for entries is Thursday 19 December, at 5.00pm. Schools are especially encouraged to join the fun: if a school’s entry wins, the gritter will make a special stop at the school to celebrate!
With over 1500km of roads set to be treated, representing 42% of all roads in Cumberland, the gritters will be on call whenever needed. Equipped with 16,000 tonnes of rock salt stored at key locations in Lillyhall, Bootle, Dalston, and Brampton, and backed by 3,600 stocked grit bins across the region, Cumberland is ready to tackle whatever winter throws its way.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“This competition is a fun way to bring the community together, but it also highlights the importance of road safety during winter. Our dedicated highways team works around the clock to keep roads clear and safe. This is a unique chance for residents to have some fun while acknowledging the vital efforts that go into winter preparations.
“So, getting your woolly thinking hats on, warm up your imaginations and please submit your votes.”
For more information head over to the council’s dedicated ‘Winter Ready’ webpages to find all the essentials in one place.