South Ayrshire Council claim they've got enough grit for bad weather

Jan 8 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

COUNCIL chiefs insist they’ve got enough grit to cope with the bad weather.

But they admit their focus is on gritting main roads as South Ayrshire struggles to fight the sub-zero temperatures.

They claim salt and grit reserves are ready to tackle the avalanche of cold conditions.

And council leader Hugh Hunter says plenty of work is being done to keep the county moving.

He said: “This council has utilised almost 3000 tonnes of salt and grit since Friday, December 18, which is nearly half the total amount used throughout the entire winter maintenance period (October-May) last year and shows just how much work is being undertaken by our roads’ teams.

“These employees have been out in the severest of conditions to ensure our roads are safe and we should all appreciate that.

“It’s not just the roads team who have been making an effort, but a range of services including home care, community safety, housing and property repair employees, who have been doing all they can to ensure residents can access the services they need.

“I know from spending time in my own ward that many residents have taken steps to clear their footpaths and walkways and help out neighbours who may be elderly or housebound and this has to be applauded.

“It’s great to see such community spirit in action and I’m sure this is being repeated across South Ayrshire.

“We all have a role to play whether it’s doing something like this or making sure we keep our speed down and drive safely through our towns and villages.

“We will continue to do all we can to minimise the impact of the severe weather and I thank you for your co-operation as we work to achieve this.”

Meanwhile, council bosses in East Ayrshire are doing all they can to battle the big freeze.

More than 7000 tonnes of grit have been laid down in the last four weeks and another 970 is on the way.

Workers are being redeployed to help clear pavements while JCBs worked to clear pedestrian routes for schools re-opening.

East Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Reid said: “This cold spell has put a huge strain on the council’s resources and employees, however I’m delighted to see how well we are coping with the challenges of keeping services and roads functioning.

“We’ve got people out there working extra hours doing their job in freezing conditions.

“Many have missed Christmas and New Year with their families to help in any way they can and we should all be grateful that they are doing a great job in very difficult circumstances.”