Cornwall Council seeks Cornish names for gritter fleet

Cornwall’s gritters have completed almost 750 runs this winter

People in Cornwall are being given the chance to choose names for the county's fleet of road gritters.

There are 28 gritters in the Cornwall Highways fleet but comedy choices like Gritney Spears, Spreadie Mercury and Gritty McGritface will not be accepted.

Cornwall Council managers say they will only consider Cornish-themed suggestions.

The competition will close on 22 February.

Richard Williams-Pears, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: "We want our gritters to reflect Cornwall's distinctiveness. You can draw inspiration from the heroes, places, legends and festivals that are unique to our home.

"The best I've heard so far is Meva-Gritty but I'm sure there are better ones that that."

Early suggestions include 'Pad-snow', 'Salt Ives' and 'St Clear-it'

Cornwall has 25 gritters, with three in reserve, the fleet is managed by Cornwall Highways.

The 25 salting routes stretch around 883 miles (1,420 km) of the road network, including the most heavily-used A and B roads in Cornwall.

Cornwall's main trunk roads - the A30 and the A38 - are the responsibility of National Highways.

The public can submit suggestions online - residents without internet access can call 0300 1234 100.

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