It may still be summer, but Cumberland Council's Highways Team is already preparing for winter.
Across Cumberland, crews have begun checking and refilling around 2,000 grit bins to make sure communities are ready when winter weather eventually returns.
Building on the popularity of the Weather Ready webpages, Cumberland Council has updated and expanded the resource to help residents prepare for every season. From winter snow and ice to summer heatwaves and stormy weather, the pages bring together practical advice and information in one convenient place. Residents can access the Weather Ready pages directly from the yellow information banner on the Cumberland Council homepage.
Grit bins, easily recognisable by their bright yellow colour, are positioned across the area, particularly in villages, on steep hills, sharp bends and near schools. They provide an important supply of salt to help tackle icy conditions on public roads and footpaths outside of the priority gritting network.
All grit bins have been fitted with new stickers displaying a unique reference number, making it quicker and easier for residents to report a bin that is running low. Reports can be made through the Cumberland Council website at https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/roads or by calling the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
"It might feel a little strange talking about winter when many of us are enjoying the summer months, but our teams work year-round to keep Cumberland moving safely.
"While residents are making the most of the warmer weather, our crews are out checking and filling grit bins, replenishing salt stocks and making sure we're prepared for whatever winter brings.”
Residents are reminded that salt from council grit bins and heaps should only be used on public roads and footpaths. Anyone needing salt for private driveways or paths should purchase their own supplies from local retailers.
For advice, information and updates throughout the year, visit the Winter Ready section of the Cumberland Council website.
Stay safe. Stay prepared. Stay Winter Ready with Cumberland Council.
