Published 02 December 2024
West Dunbartonshire Council teams have already been reacting to the colder weather and are also encouraging residents to make preparations for winter.
The Council’s stores of salt have been restocked ready for use in response to freezing temperatures over the winter period.
Teams will be on standby 24 hours a day throughout the winter to undertake any gritting treatments as required. They have already been called into action in late November as temperatures plummeted.
When severe weather conditions are forecast, the Council grits approximately 224km which equates to around 62.7% of West Dunbartonshire's public road network. This includes difficult bends and steep inclines as well as areas that are particularly prone to icing.
When frost is predicted, all roads of primary importance, A and B Class roads, main urban traffic routes, the main routes to schools where these can be clearly identified, major bus routes and routes to main emergency service establishments are treated. This represents around 156km (43.5%) of the public road network.
The Council also has more than 450 grit bins which will be restocked regularly over the season, available for residents to use on their streets.
While Council teams are keeping the streets safe and people moving, residents can also do their part to be winter ready.
This list of tips below could help throughout the colder weather.
Frozen pipes: Before attempting to thaw out your pipes, check for leaking joints or bursts. If there are none, and if it’s safe to do so, gently warm any frozen sections with a heated cloth wrapped around the pipe. Never apply a direct flame or attempt to thaw pipes by switching on your immersion heater or boiler;
Lost power: If you lose power, call 105 – it’s free of charge and will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice;
Car emergency kit: Keep safe during traveling by keeping a car emergency kit, with items including: a first aid kit; battery jump leads; a torch and spare batteries; a map for unplanned diversions; a blanket; a reflective warning sign; an ice scraper and de-icer; a shovel for snow; warm clothes and boots; some food, and a warm drink in a flask.
Know our routes and grit bin locations: Information on the Council’s priority primary and secondary gritting routes and your nearest grit bin can be found online here https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/roads-parking-travel/gritting-and-grit-bins/winter-maintenance/
Councillor David McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Ours teams are ready to react to weather conditions to help keep residents safe during cold temperatures. They are also busy ensuring grit bins are replenished to make sure people can still get out and about.
“Residents can also take note of these tips to prepare for the colder weather ahead and be winter ready. We would also encourage everyone to look out for their neighbours and loved ones during periods of adverse weather.”
Councillor Lawrence O’Neill Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development, added: “The teams are busy monitoring detailed weather forecasts to understand what action needs to be taken and when. We hope residents are ready too so if ice and snow hits, the impact is not as severe as it might be otherwise.”