Leicestershire County Council has stepped up winter preparations with 16,500 tonnes of salt ready for roads, more than 1,300 miles of gritting routes in place and £17m invested in flood protection.
Residents are also being encouraged to prepare now, by checking flood risks, planning ahead for freezing conditions, getting vaccinated and looking out for vulnerable neighbours.
The council's 16,500-tonne rock salt stockpile has been replenished and distributed across five grit barns located strategically across the county, ready to help keep roads safe during icy conditions.
When temperatures drop below freezing, gritting crews stand ready to treat more than 1,300 miles of priority routes across the county, using an average of 130 tonnes of salt each night, enough to cover a distance equivalent to a
journey from County Hall in Glenfield to Rome.
“Getting ready for winter is one of the most important jobs we do at the county council.
“From keeping our roads gritted during cold and icy conditions, to getting you flood ready and vaccinated against winter illnesses, now is the time to get prepared.
“Staying connected in winter can be more difficult and that’s why we ensure our transport network keeps you moving through all weathers.”
Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray, Cabinet Member for Highways
The risk of flooding is much higher when extreme weather conditions hit and residents are urged to get prepared now by learning the flood risk level of their home or business, creating a flood plan and signing up for weather alerts. More information is available on our website.
Over the past year, the county council has spent an additional £2 million on boosting flood resilience, such as a widespread drain clearance programme, grants for parishes in high-risk areas and the use of natural resources to mitigate impact.
This additional £2m of funding takes the county council’s investment in flooding to more than £17m by 2029.
Top tips on getting winter ready:
Check weather and travel disruption through news channels and radio stations
Wear appropriate footwear and clothes for the cold temperatures
Get advice on reducing heating costs and staying warm in your home via the warm homes team
Get your covid and flu vaccinations if eligible
Check on vulnerable neighbours to ensure they’re staying well through cold weather or floods
Visit our flooding page to get flood ready.
Get prepared for winter on our adverse weather page.