With freezing temperatures forecast to continue concern is growing across the country that grit supplies have reached a critical level.
Since December 20th Cheshire East Council has used almost 13,500 tonnes of salt and currently only have about 500 tonnes in stock. In an effort to conserve supplies the Authority have announced they “will have to concentrate their efforts on priority routes.”
The worst conditions have been in the north of Cheshire East and this has meant that around 8000 tonnes of the 13,500 tonnes has been used in the north.
Since the really severe weather hit over Christmas only Priority 1 Routes have been gritted, which are ‘ A’ class carriageways, designated routes to A and E hospitals and other carriageways that link up the ‘A’ class network.
In addition over the last two or three weeks main footways, town centres and pedestrianised areas have been treated. However, a spokesperson from the council said yesterday "there are not the resources to continue to treat all footways."
A statement from Winsford Salt Union, which runs Britain’s largest rock salt mine , said: ''With further severe weather forecast across the UK in the week ahead, Salt Union's Winsford mine in Cheshire is working 24 hours-a-day seven days-a-week to play its part in keeping the nation's roads open and as safe as is possible."
''Its main challenge through the current difficult period is to ensure that priority is given to customers whose stocks are at low levels and it is liaising closely with government agencies in this respect."
''Salt Union completed its pre-winter deliveries to customers in early November but the worst continuous spell of severe weather for 20 years has led to massive additional demand.''
Image courtesy of Salt Union Ltd.
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All gritting vehicles have been reloaded this morning and salting will be repeated this afternoon and this evening if necessary.
Extra operatives have also been drafted in to clear and salt local footways throughout today and all available salt bins have been replenished over the weekend.
Further freezing temperatures are expected overnight with the possibility of snowfall.
A council spokesperson said "We are managing salt reserves carefully and constantly monitoring the weather conditions."
"Cheshire East Council is advising everyone, whether making a journey by car or by foot, to take extra care at this time."
Both the A537 ‘Cat and Fiddle’ and A54 have problems with drifting snow so please check before travelling.