Drivers in West Somerset will hopefully avoid the slippery slopes this winter with the news that nearly 1,000 miles of the road network will be gritted despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Somerset County Council, which is responsible for highways, will be out keeping the roads open with its fleet of 23 gritters as the weather closes in.

Around one-fifth of the county’s road network will be treated by the county council, on top of Highways England’s work to ensure the M5 and A303 remain passable.

A council spokesman said this week: “Precautionary gritting normally takes place before the formation of ice. If we get snow, the gritters can be equipped with snowploughs, and the council will use its links with local farmers and snowplough operators to ensure the primary road network remains open.

“In areas where roads aren’t gritted, the council is working with town and parish councils to ensure roadside grit bins are kept full, and a community-led ‘snow warden’ scheme remains in effect.

Local roads to be gritted this winter will include B3188, Monksilver; B3223 Room Hill Lane, Exford; Abbey Road, Washford; Amory Road, Dulverton; Ash Lane, Withypool; Porlock Road/ The Parks, Minehead; South Street, Wiveliscombe; the A358 between the Devon border and Williton; the A39 between Minehead and Bridgwater; Five Bells/North Road, Williton; Higher Park Lane, Wheddon Cross; Kinsford Hill, Simonsbath.

For more information about the roads being gritted in the area, visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/gritting

DANIEL MUMBY

Local democracy reporter