Sefton Council is fully prepared and ready to grit nearly 470 kms of road across the borough this winter to keep its communities safe.

Launched from the local authority's brand new 'Gritting HQ', Sefton Council's Highways team have quietly prepared a fleet of special vehicles and a staggering 3,500 tonnes of gritting salt ahead of any major temperature drops in the borough this coming winter.

This is the first year Sefton Council and its partners will run winter operations from a brand new council owned 'Winter Hub,' after it was deemed the previous depot was no longer fit for purpose.

The new 'Winter Hub', located in Netherton, has the capacity to store 3500 tonnes of salt, over 250% more storage space than what was available in the previous depot

In addition to the storage warehouse, the site also includes office accommodation, staff mess room, toilets, meeting and training rooms as well as office space.

This will allow the council's dedicated and tireless staff and contractors access to a modern and functional base to work from during what is a critical time for keeping Sefton and its road network safe and moving.

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Locality Services, welcomed the news, saying: "We are absolutely delighted that we have this brand new facility open and operational ready for a potentially cold winter period.

"The 'Winter Hub' is a much needed addition to our Council assets and will help us to ensure, as we do every year, that residents in Sefton will be driving on safe roads this winter.

"We are also able to utilise the hub's facilities and services for other projects throughout the spring and summer months which will in turn make it even more cost effective to the council."

During periods of low temperatures where ice can form on the road surface, Sefton Council and its contractors will begin carriageway surface treatment, more conventionally known as 'gritting' just after midnight at any time day or night and continue treatments as long as necessary.

Treatment encompasses over 470km of prioritised carriageway and heavily pedestrianised streets throughout the borough.

While the gritting treatment programme is extensive, Sefton Council continues to encourage residents to take extra care when out and about as some side roads and pathways are not treated and may be icy.

(L-R) Highway Services Manager Jerry McConkey, Cllr John Fairclough and Head of Highways Peter Moore at the new Winter Hub.
Over 3,500 tonnes of gritting salt in storage at the Winter Hub