Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Plans are in place to make sure South Tyneside keeps moving in the event of adverse weather conditions this winter.

The Council will be working with its partners at South Tyneside Homes and the emergency services to safeguard vulnerable residents, keep roads as clear as possible and ensure any disruption to services is kept to an absolute minimum.

With 7,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled, the Council is ready to respond as and when the temperature drops.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: "Even in these challenging times, we have a winter maintenance plan in place and are prepared if conditions suddenly take a turn for the worse.

"Our teams will be ready to work around the clock if necessary to make sure priority routes are kept open."

The Council has a fleet of five gritting wagons and three towable gritters as well as 20 small pedestrian gritters for footpaths.

There are also more than 160 grit bins across the Borough that are used to help clear footpaths, shopping areas and other areas that may be hazardous in the event of snow and ice. These bins are to help Council staff in their gritting operations and are not for private use.

Operations will focus on major roads, bus routes and steep banks as well as priority footpaths in shopping areas, around schools and on steps and footbridges with pre-gritting taking place on priority routes as and when the temperature drops. Gritting the Borough's 311km of priority routes takes around 2.5 hours to complete.

Motorists are advised to take greater care than normal in winter driving conditions and to check the local weather forecasts and information websites.

For further details about gritting routes, grit bin locations and a wide range of winter-related advice and information, visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk or call the Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000.