Gritters set for action

Temperatures are dropping and council chiefs are preparing to keep traffic moving during the worst of the winter weather.

Oldham Council has drawn up detailed plans of priority routes and the location of all 550 grit bins.

Broken or damaged bins have been refurbished or replaced, all gritting crews know their routes and are on standby, the gritters are fully serviced and routes have been planned to ensure the most effective use of grit supplies.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “There is a considerable amount of high ground in Oldham and some major roads, including the A62, which are a priority to keep open and keep safe.

“The council also gives a priority to grit all the major bus routes.

“In addition, the council’s popular snow lines are now open and will stay open until the end of March next year.

“The council has invested a great deal of time and resources in ensuring an effective gritting programme that will help to keep our roads open and people moving, whatever the weather.”

In total, the council has five dedicated gritters, four multi-lift vehicles and two, four-wheel drive vehicles for extreme conditions.

There is a stockpile of 3,000 tonnes of salt held for immediate use, which is increased to 3,500 tonnes between December and February and is replenished on a weekly basis when required.

A map of the priority routes can be seen on the council website, www.oldham.gov.uk/winter-maintenance .

If you need to report extra gritting or your nearest grit bin needs refilling then call 0161-770 4421 or 4423.