More rural sites in West Lothian will have access to gritting salt this winter to help keep roads and pavements clear.
Six more sites across the county will be added to the list drawn up by Operational Services ahead of the winter programme which launches at the end of the month.
The council has more than 30,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled. The winter treatment programme has to cover 648 miles of public roads and more than 860 miles of footpaths.
Councillors at this month’s executive lobbied to add areas in their wards. Conservative Angela Doran-Timson made a plea for Uphall to have a salt pile set up.
“Uphall is being left out,” she told the meeting.
She was followed by Labour’s Danny Logue, whose constituents in Pumpherston, Uphall Station and Midcalder had also asked for access to salt piles.
Council Leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick proposed extra salt for the A71 through Polbeth, Longridge and Stoneyburn “ subject to suitable sites being determined by Operational Services”.
Questioned by SNP depute group leader Councillor Stafford on supporting evidence for the changes. Councillor Fitzpatrick said he was making the motion on the basis of complaints from the communities and representations to local members, “and on the clear understanding it can be contained within the operational budget.”
Ross MacDonald, a senior engineer with Roads Operations outlined the plans to the Executive.
He said: “We’re good to go for the 30 October.”
A report to the Executive detailed: “Funding has again been made available to provide two dedicated crews which will be allocated to replenish grit bins on an ongoing basis throughout the winter period, similar to the last four years.
“The strategic self-help salt pick-up points will also continue as noted in the Winter Service Plan.
“These two services were introduced following the approval of a £1 million Winter Resilience Fund by Council on 25th February 2021, however it should be recognised that additional funding will be required for these services to continue beyond the 2025-26 winter period.”
It added: “Delivery of the winter plan rests with Roads & Transportation however additional resources are utilised from NET`s, Land & Countryside Services to provide a robust and flexible rota.
“Trained HGV drivers from other service areas are also available should the need arise. A framework contract is also in place allowing the engagement of external resources and equipment if required.”
The gritting teams will again rely on separate weather forecasts for the north and south of the county. This allows resources being deployed appropriately, providing an improved service to areas in most need.
The Gritter Tracking page will be available on the council`s website. This allows users to view the gritters deployed, providing up-to-date information on the location of the vehicles.
A full list of salt pile sites around the county will appear on the council’s website next week.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
