Cold, Cold Weather Forecast for Melksham

Well, the bad weather is about to hit Melksham; are you geared up for snow? Shovel and salt at the ready?

Wiltshire Council is trying to ensure that problems on the county’s roads caused by harsh weather will be kept to a minimum this winter. There are 13,000 tonnes of salt ready to be used to keep roads open and pavements safe.

Last year’s winter was really hard, especially the last couple of weeks in January and 12,000 tonnes of salt were used on the roads – more than double the amount needed in previous years.

This year Wiltshire Council is trying out salt coated in molasses, making it stickier, less corrosive and longer lasting than normal salt. They are also offering parish councils a one-tonne bag of salt for local use, if it can be properly stored in a dry place.

This would mean the parish council could top up grit bins when Wiltshire Council staff are  clearing and gritting the main roads. Salt in grit bins is there to be used by residents on minor roads and pavements that are not usually treated during bad weather. Apparently it’s not meant to be used for private driveways or roads.

Cllr Dick Tonge, who has responsibiulity in the Cabinet for roads and highways, was quoted as saying, “We are ready for the problems winter may cause and we want to work with local communities to ensure our roads and pavements are as safe as possible. We will face many challenges during winter but we are as prepared as we can be.”

ps. the grit bin outside my house is empty, Wiltshire Council.