Grit stock-piled for 'big freeze'

A "salt mountain" has been stocked up by Westminster Council

A mountain of grit has been stockpiled in central London as experts predict a cold winter.

For London, the Met Office has forecast below average temperatures this winter and a small risk of snow on Friday.

Westminster City Council has stored up 1,500 tons of salt as part of its Winter Service Plan.

It has also bought 20 snow blades to clear footpaths, 20 pedestrian-operated salt spreaders and begun distributing emergency salt supplies to schools.

It is crucial that the centre of London, which is visited by tens of millions of people in the winter months, can continue to function as normal Councillor Alan Bradley

Eight 14-ton gritter lorries with GPS tracking devices along with up to 300 staff are on standby to help clear the roads and keep traffic moving.

The 250-page plan details how leisure centres, libraries, public toilets and housing estates will be provided with salt supplies.

A Met Office spokesman said "The last eight winters have been relatively mild and perhaps have given the impression that these are 'normal'.

"The balance of probability is for a winter colder than those experienced since 1995/6."

Councillor Alan Bradley, said it was important to ensure that the capital was ready. "It is crucial that the centre of London, which is visited by tens of millions of people in the winter months, can continue to function as normal.

"This plan draws on the lessons of previous years and, we believe, will be the most effective yet," he said.