ROAD-gritting salt is in plentiful supply in readiness for the winter according to Cheshire West and Chester Council.
A Local Government Association poll has shown 18% of all councils have not received all the salt they had requested and were short by an average of 1,700 tonnes each.
Fears are heightened because last winter was the most severe for 30 years leaving some authorities struggling, but Cheshire West and Chester says it is prepared.
Spokeswoman Laura Johnson said: “The authority has been preparing for the coming winter months since September 2009, when members agreed to undertake a full review of gritting routes across the borough.
“We have increased our salt stocks by 2000 tonnes since 2008 – resulting in a stockpile of more than 4000 tonnes for the west of the borough – whilst the east draws directly from the salt mine in Winsford. We will continue to monitor these levels through the winter, with stores replenished as they are used.”
Miss Johnson said there were also two new additions to the 16-strong fleet of specialist vehicles which have built-in GPS systems.
This was to ensure transport “remains modern, reliable and ready to deal with the worst” winter conditions.
She added: “A new initiative to be introduced this year is ‘snow bags’, which will work with the 200-plus salt bins located across the borough to give the community access to salt where necessary.
“In times of need, snow and long periods of frost, the authority will be ready to distribute 450 tonnes of a salt and sand mix, in one-tonne bags, across the borough to where demand is greatest. This will support the community and enable self-help by the public and parish councils as necessary.”
