Summer holidays may be at the forefront of most people's minds just now, but Clackmannanshire Council is already planning ahead for the cold winter months.

Last winter was widely reported as being the worst in decades. In a normal year, the Council uses around 1,300 tonnes of salt - last winter we used an exceptional 3,000 tonnes.

In preparation for any eventualities next winter, we have stocked up with 4,000 tonnes of rock salt which is being stored at Forthbank Depot.

Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: "Last winter's severe weather was a tough test of our winter preparations. We were one of the few authorities not to run out of salt and, in fact, were able to help other authorities who experienced shortages. We have learned lessons from that experience and are working to strengthen our capability to face any future challenges. We have reviewed our salt stock level and taken action to increase our stocks to make sure we are ready for whatever weather lies ahead.

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"While we're doing all we can to prepare for winter, we want road users in Clackmannanshire to play their part too. Keeping the main roads clear is a huge undertaking involving dozens of vehicles and staff and we want to hear the views of local residents and businesses about our performance and priorities and will be conducting a survey later this year."

Main roads, including service bus routes and routes to schools, are given priority treatment. These are followed by major secondary routes which include spine roads into housing and industrial areas and some rural roads.

Like roads, paths are categorised into priority routes, with priority given to footways which carry the greatest numbers of pedestrians. These are generally in town centres and where other medical or community facilities, including residential homes for the elderly, are located.

(GK)