MORE salt than ever before has been stockpiled this year by Worcestershire County Council in a bid to ensure there are no shortages in the event of another harsh winter.
The authority has 15,000 tonnes of salt ready to be used and has also equipped 12 of its 31 vehicles with the latest technology that involves using a brine solution on salt before it is placed on the roads.
Gritting crews will be on standby to hit the roads in Malvern from this weekend as the winter season officially begins.
Coun John Smith, responsible for highways and transport, said the county has never found itself with empty depots despite national shortages the last two years.
“But this year we've got more salt in stock than ever before to try and ensure we're not as reliant on deliveries throughout the season, which, because of national shortages, didn't arrive as expected at times last year,” he added.
A new scheme that allows parish councils to purchase additional grit bins, which they will be responsible for, and salt supplies for use has also been introduced.
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