With winter just around the corner, Caerphilly County Borough Council would like to assure residents that they are ready for winter.

The Council has 13 gritters available to use, all of which can be fitted with a snow plough if needed and around 9,000 tonnes of grit in stock ready to treat roads during the frosty nights.

Trained staff monitor weather forecasts plus information from 5 weather stations based at Rhymney, Markham, Hafodyrynys, Caerphilly, and Ystrad Mynach.

The decision to grit is based on a number of factors including road temperature, air temperature, rainfall and the possibility of snow and wintery showers. Weather station Information and forecasted actions are also shared between adjacent local councils to give a clearer local picture of weather conditions across the South East wales area.

The Council prioritises key roads across the county borough, including most bus routes and routes to emergency service premises, key medical facilities and public facilities in order to ensure the main highways network can function during inclement weather. These routes alone cover 301 miles of road.

It is not possible for the Council to grit every road, but there are currently over 900 grit salt bins placed at central locations so that residents can spread grit onto the highway and pedestrian areas if needed.

Cllr. Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Property said: “Caerphilly County Borough Council is ready for winter. We have a large supply of grit and a fleet of vehicles ready to deal with ice and snow. Our highways team constantly monitor the weather forecast and a ready to respond 24 hours a day. Our priority will always be to keep main routes clear and moving, as well as ensuring we help those who need us most.”