COUNCIL chiefs says all their salt bins have been restocked ready for winter.

Gritting teams from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council have already carried a number of operations on roads in the past few weeks.

The Council's fleet of six gritters have been serviced and calibrated ahead of the winter season, along with snow ploughs and winter tyres ready for the winter season.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said: "Our salt barn is also full to the brim, with 3,000 tonnes of salt delivered during August and September.

"Our 350+ salt bins have been refilled, and volunteer grit squads have been given their supplies. Salt bins are due to be refilled again within the next few weeks.

"Decision makers issue gritting decisions on a daily basis, based on bespoke forecasts provided to us by MetDesk, these forecasts are provided to us periodically throughout the day to track any changes in the forecast and associated impact on road surface temperatures.

"During gritting operations, the Council treats approximately 50% of the highway network within around four hours, but may take longer in severe conditions.

"In the 2018/2019 gritting season, we carried out 440 gritting operations. It was quite a quiet season for us on the whole, as it was milder than we have experienced in previous years, with no major snowfall events.

"In comparison, during the 2017/2018 gritting season, we carried out 943 gritting operations, which is more than double! On average, we use between 2,000 and 5,000 tonnes of rock salt per season.

"During the winter months, extreme weather conditions can make driving more difficult and potentially hazardous. Please take a look at the advice offered by the Met Office and prepare your "winter kit" - https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/…/tra…/cold-weather-and-driving

"As always, for up to date information on gritting operations and road conditions during periods of severe weather, continue to follow the BwD Roads page."