City of Inverness Area Committee approves city Winter Service plan with potential Covid-19 impact on service provision

WINTER service plans for the coming season in the Highland capital have been approved by councillors this week.

Members of the Inverness area committee were told the service operates on a stretched budget as the city continues to grow.

Councillors were also informed that the impact of Covid-19 and driver’s hours regulations will potentially affect the winter service provided.

The council’s Inverness leader Ian Brown said: “We have decided on how and where to grit roads within the budget and resources available. It’s important that people are prepared for the first shower of snow or frost in our communities and that they make themselves aware of the council’s gritting priorities for roads and footpaths.

“Its simply not possible to grit all roads and paths so we have to prioritise, plan ahead and make sure that our gritting policy is in place and ready for action from the start of the winter season.

“Check out the gritting maps for your area. Maybe you’ve recently moved home? Find out if your street is on a priority route and if it’s not, now is the time to apply through your community council for help as the council can provide salt/grit bins, scrapers and reflective waistcoats to allow an enhanced level of service. Apply as soon as possible.”

Details of the winter service policy and area gritting route maps are at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting

Members welcomed the framework contract in place with local contractors to aid clearing deep snow at short notice in exceptional weather conditions.

Further communication with organisations dealing with vulnerable people was also suggested at the meeting.

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