Gritters are out “in force” this week to keep schools and major highways safe, according to the council.

It claims more than 160 tonnes have been spread across the borough this week already. This adds up to 400 footways, 600 roads, and 50 school entrances.

Since the gritting season started in November, the council said it has carried out precautionary gritting 44 times using a total of 535 tonnes of salt.

Councillor Peter Buckwell, cabinet member for highways and street scene, said: “With the latest weather forecast, we envisage round-the-clock gritting operations will continue over next few days and we have adequate salt stock to provide this.

“The council’s gritting service will be out in force ensuring our roads and pathways are safe for people to use.

“Priority routes are continuing to be gritted at least once on a daily basis. We are closely monitoring site conditions and are investigating concerns being reported via the call centre.

“Footpath routes to schools, stations, hospitals and town centres are also being attended to by the borough’s street cleansing contractor.

“We ask that residents exercise caution when using the roads and pathways, watch out for each other and report any concerns about slippery and icy roads and pathways.”

How is your road faring with the ice and snow? Email sophie.jones@newsquest.co.uk