Council suffering another grit shortage

Rochdale Council's grit stock is running low - but they have secured further deliveries for today (Thursday 7 January) and approximately 80 tonnes will arrive tomorrow (Friday 8 January).

Given the overall situation nationally, it is likely that the Department for Transport will take control of the distribution of salt across the country from tomorrow. This will direct available supplies to areas most in need.

A full grit of Rochdale's main roads was undertaken yesterday evening (Wednesday 6 January), including the main bus routes on estates.

The known ‘wet spots’ on principle routes were treated again early this morning.

All primary routes remain passable with care and town centres and the bus stations / main car parks remain in use.
Access to waste/recycling centres has been cleared.

The current forecast is for the extremely cold weather to continue for several days, with the possibility of further snow perhaps on Sunday.

All requests for new/replacement grit bins are being logged to inform a review of their provision across the borough.

Given the local, regional and national shortage of grit the council's contractors will continue to review priorities and for now have ceased any further refilling of grit bins.

A full grit will take place this evening (Thursday 7 January), however this will be at a reduced rate of spread because of current stock levels.

A council spokesman said: “The weather this week has been the worst in nearly 30 years and the freezing temperatures are likely to continue. We ask that all residents continue to look out for vulnerable neighbours, to drive and travel safely, wear appropriate clothing when you're out and about and also crucially to look ahead: to be ready for the big thaw.

“We are having regular strategic meetings to make sure we are prioritising correctly; that we are doing the right things at the right times. Our plans involve all the 600 services delivered by our councils, our health partners and colleagues in police, fire and ambulance across Greater Manchester.

“Crucially, we are successfully delivering services to our most vulnerable residents, and we praise those staff and residents who are giving exceptional performance working extra and long hours, travelling on difficult journeys to work.

“We are pursuing more salt to constantly improve safety on roads and pavements. We have a winter plan which prioritises major routes. We can't do every side street and pavement but we want to keep the region moving, to help the economy and to keep people safe. Authorities across Greater Manchester are working together to assess the gritting situation and to plan to keep as many roads clear for as long as possible. We're also hoping that local communities will do their bit, and help out each other and neighbours.”