Preparations are underway in Renfrewshire to ensure the area is ready for winter, with communities being encouraged to plan ahead for severe weather and help to keep their neighbourhoods moving over the colder months.
Council teams are preparing to deal with snow, ice and heavy rain, with gritting teams set to cover more than 850km of roads across Renfrewshire on a priority basis.
Local favourites including Ploughlo Grittini, Tony Gritzpatrick and Thawin’ Batty will have access to more than 4,500 tonnes of grit, as teams work around the clock to keep the roads network safe.
Hundreds of grit bins, including larger community bins, are available across Renfrewshire to help residents clear pathways and areas in front of their homes, as council teams may not always be able to reach residential streets ahead of bad weather.
Drains are also being cleared by council flooding teams — particularly at known hotspots — to ensure they are free-flowing before any heavy rain arrives. The teams will be ready to respond if extreme downpours overwhelm the drainage system.
Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said:
“Our teams will be there for our communities in all weathers as they grit roads in advance of freezing conditions, clear drains to prevent flooding, and remove snow from the network if it arrives.
“You can support them by using your nearest grit bin, including the larger community ones, to make the area around your home safe; clearing leaves from drains near your property; and checking in on neighbours to ensure they are safe and supported.
“Winter can be a difficult time for a variety of reasons, so it’s important we come together as a community t look after each other — and we’ll do our bit as the Council too, to ensure Renfrewshire keeps moving throughout the winter period.”
Council tenants are also being encouraged to make sure their homes are ready for the colder months — including knowing how to report a repair, how to avoid and deal with frozen pipes, and how to support their local community.
Photo: Cllr Michelle Campbell with a Renfrewshire gritter
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Councillor Campbell added: “Our housing and building services teams do a fantastic job responding to emergency repairs across the winter, and we know how vital this is for council tenants who may lose heating or hot water and need our support.
“There are a range of things you can do to prepare your home in advance, such as knowing how to turn your water off, keeping some food and emergency supplies in, and maintaining enough heat in your home to prevent pipes from freezing.
“Our teams are available to support both in advance and during emergencies, and I want to thank them for the work they do to protect and repair homes for local people.”
The Ready for Winter campaign aims to ensure residents, council tenants, businesses and employees have the information and support they need to prepare — including how to access flu vaccinations, get ready for adverse weather, and find help with the cost of living.
A range of wellbeing support will also be available throughout the season, with the Council’s Winter Connections programme offering events and activities across Renfrewshire that provide everyone with a warm, welcoming place to be.
In addition, advice and signposting will be available for people dealing with mental health challenges or struggling with rising living costs, as well as information on where to access annual vaccinations.
For more information on the council’s preparations and the support available over the winter period, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/RenReady.
Headline Photo: Renfrewshire Council worker and gritter driver Eric Phillips
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council