Residents and road users are being asked for their views on winter gritting in Bolton.

In light of last winter’s difficult conditions, Bolton Council is reviewing its approach to gritting, and wants feedback on its service.

A survey asking people for their views on the policy is available online at www.bolton.gov.uk/wintergritting or call the consultation and research team on 01204 332012 to obtain a paper copy.

Westhoughton South Liberal Democrat Cllr David Wilkinson called for a review in December and said he was pleased people in Bolton would be part of it. Cllr Wilkinson, who sits on the winter gritting panel, said: “We have learned a lot so far in terms of the work that goes into the gritting operation and I am delighted that people who use the roads will also get their say.”

A Council spokesperson said: “We know it may seem a bit daft to be talking about winter gritting in May but we want to know what the public see as priorities before we put together our next winter gritting scheme.

He added: “We do grit around half of our total road network, which is more than a lot of other local authorities. Following some of the most severe weather conditions in 20 years, the council actually spent an extra £580,000 last winter to make roads and footpaths safer for local residents and road users.”

There are currently 25 gritting routes totalling 430km of road, and around 30 to 40 tonnes of salt are used each time the routes are gritted. The council also places 533 grit bins around the borough.

Council crews work around the clock if there is snow forecast or if the temperature of the road surface is anticipated to freeze.

The Winter Scrutiny committee, comprising councillors from all the Council’s political parties, will look all the feedback received and use this as a basis to make recommendations for the next winter gritting maintenance scheme. 

These will be then developed further during an Environmental Services Policy Development Group.

The closing date for feedback is Friday, June 13.

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