A TEAM of ‘snow angels’ will grit and clear footpaths this winter.

Volunteers are being recruited to take to the streets in Pendle when ice and snow hit, to make them safer for residents.

In the first scheme of its kind in East Lancashire, the council is looking at a pilot area in Colne, around the bungalows on the North Valley Estate, Peter Birtwistle Fold, and Bunkers Hill, where a number of older people live.

Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “Schemes such as this have worked very well in other parts of the country and I’m keen to trial one in Colne.

“In the area we’re looking at for the pilot, there are lots of ungritted streets around sheltered accommodation, where there are older residents.

“Our priority is making sure that people can still go out on foot on wintry days to get essential supplies, or to see people socially.

“To make this work, we need a team of volunteers who are community-spirited and like helping others.”

The volunteers will be supplied with rock salt, a shovel, a high-visibility vest, gloves, and an information pack.

They will receive weather warnings from the council, via text message, email, or Facebook, to let them know when to be ready to get out and grit, and they will also be covered by the council’s insurance policy.

Interested volunteers will be asked to attend a one- hour briefing session at the end of October.

Rebecca Ramsay, localities officer for Colne, said: “We need people who look out for others, and don’t mind spending a little bit of time on snowy mornings clearing the footpaths closest to their homes.

“This is most likely to be people living in the pilot area, but could also be the families of local residents who want to be sure that their loved ones can get out safely.”

Anyone who wants to get involved, or find out more about becoming a ‘snow angel’, can call Rebecca Ramsay on 01282 661565. Alternatively, you can e-mail rebecca.ram say@pendle.gov.uk