'Snow champions' to grit Cumbria roads

The council aims to be prepared for snowy weather

Plans to capitalise on community spirit to keep roads passable during snowy weather have been announced by Cumbria County Council.

It has proposed appointing local groups to grit or plough minor roads.

They would liaise with the council about what equipment would be used, treatment times and days, and the level of salt supplied.

Up to 300 volunteer "snow champions" could also be recruited to treat agreed lengths of local footways.

The council's £4.1m winter maintenance plans also include a fleet of 33 gritters which have on-board computers and GPS mapping technology.

Councillor Tony Markley, cabinet member for highways, said: "It's important that we're as prepared as we can be.

"There's a great deal of community spirit in Cumbria and passing on gritting responsibility at a local level is a sure fire way to ensure that as many roads and pavements as possible are made safe."