EAST Lancashire's two highways authorities have more than 24,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled to grit the roads as the weather starts to turn icy.

A spell of low temperatures is forecast next week, with overnight frosts and the possibility of snow showers.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has 2,628 tonnes in storage.

Lancashire County Council - which covers 12 boroughs including Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale - has a reserve of 22,000 tonnes.

Its gritting teams have already treated the roads a number of times.

Both authorities have appealed for drivers to prepare for the wintry weather and drive carefully when it arrives.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokeswoman said: "We currently have 2,628 tonnes of salt, and regular refills will be undertaken throughout the year as certain stock thresholds are met.

"We would like to remind all residents to please drive safely and take care during cold weather season.

"If you find yourself driving in snow or on icy or snow covered roads, please reduce your speed, avoid harsh braking and acceleration or sharp steering, slow-down in plenty of time before bends and corners, increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front, and use dipped headlights."

Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, Lancashire County Council's highways boss, said: "Our highways teams are expecting to be busy over the coming days with the freezing overnight temperatures forecast, and I'd ask everyone to make sure they're ready to cope if we do get any sustained severe weather.

"This first real cold spell is a good reminder to make sure that we're prepared – whether that's checking your vehicle by stocking up on screen wash and de-icer, or buying salt from a DIY store to treat any paths around your home.

"Our highways teams will be busy gritting the main routes whenever a freeze is forecast, but please remember that we don't treat every road and that even roads which have been gritted can remain icy so it's important to be alert to the conditions and drive carefully.

"Lancashire County Council has a fleet of 45 frontline gritters which can treat the 2,500 kilometres of the county council's priority road network within around four hours, but may take longer in severe weather. There are also 2,600 grit bins and salt piles throughout the county,"