October "heat-wave" over as gritters deployed

Roads treated for first time since last winter as cold snap hits West Berkshire

A BITTER end to the October autumn heat-wave was heralded yesterday (Wednesday) by the first deployment of gritters across the region since last winter.

West Berkshire Council had reported that road surface temperatures were falling quicker than forecast and with early evening showers falling the decision was taken to grit the roads to combat any chance of ice forming.

On Monday (24) the council's executive member for highways David Betts (Con, Purley-on-Thames) is likely to approve the council's winter weather plan for the next year.

Following two of the coldest, harshest winters on record the council has this year stockpiled 5,000 tonnes of salt, quadrupling the amount it had in reserve in recent years.

For more information on the council's winter weather plan and the routes the grit wagons take, log on to www.westberks.gov.uk.