Thousands of tonnes of salt have been stockpiled by council chiefs in a bid to keep East Renfrewshire moving throughout the winter months.

With temperatures dropping, major efforts are being made to make sure local roads remain open and safe to use.

As part of East Renfrewshire Council’s winter maintenance service, a team of controllers monitor information from weather stations across the area which predict road surface temperatures and indicate when salting is required.

Gritting crews are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to freezing temperatures and forecasts for ice and snow.

There are almost 300 miles of gritting routes across East Renfrewshire, with 168 miles of priority routes.

As an added line of defence against the winter weather, the area has a total of 341 public grit bins, including 17 larger community bins, with local residents encouraged to make use of the free grit available.

Councillor Betty Cunningham, East Renfrewshire’s environment convener, told the Barrhead News: “The council’s gritting teams work around the clock throughout the winter months to keep our roads accessible and everyone in East Renfrewshire safe.

“This vital service covers such a vast area and it’s just not possible for us to be able to treat every street and pavement.

“We rely on the support from our residents who are able to grit their own driveways, pavements and outside their homes and appreciate those who can also assist their elderly and more vulnerable neighbours this winter.

“Please check the council’s social media channels for regular updates on what we’re doing to keep our communities safe during cold spells.”

Full details of grit bin locations and priority routes for gritting over the winter months can be viewed on the council’s website by visiting www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/grit-bins-and-locations.