A FLEET of gritters is set to keep residents moving safely in West Dunbartonshire when temperatures plummet this winter.

The council is making 4,100 tonnes of rock salt available, while the road team’s nine gritters are on standby to make highways and pathways passable in freezing conditions.

The vehicles have been on standby since October 22 and the council says that when severe weather conditions are forecast, it grits more than 60 per cent of West Dunbartonshire’s public road network.

Councillor Marie McNair, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, and council leader Jonathan McColl visited the depot at Elm Road earlier this week.

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “As we saw last year, the weather can turn very quickly, so I hope residents are reassured to hear of the planning and preparation that has gone into dealing with it.

“The grit stocks have been replenished, the bins in our communities have been filled up and the staff and equipment are ready to deal with another harsh winter.”

The area’s Greenspace team will also work to ensure footpaths near schools, care homes, hospitals and other priority routes are kept clear.

The local authority also insists that with 450 roadside grit bins across the area, generally no home will be more than 300 metres from a supply of grit, should it become necessary.

Councillor McNair added: “We know there may be some disruptions due to ice and snow but people can be assured that we’ll be doing all we can to ensure we keep West Dunbartonshire moving whatever the weather.

“Residents have told us they are willing to help with gritting areas in their community, and the increase in number of the salt bins should help with this.

“I’d encourage them to think of neighbours who might need assistance when the colder weather hits.”

Residents can obtain small quantities of rock salt for private use from the council’s road depots located at Elm Road, Dumbarton or Stanford Street, Clydebank.

A map detailing gritting routes and locations of grit bins is available on the council website.