Stockpiles of grit to be set aside for the elderly

Hundreds of tons of grit will be stockpiled locally in Staffordshire communities where volunteers will distribute it to the elderly and others in need.

Highways chiefs say the Ice Busters initiative will make grit more easily accessible as it will be stored locally. However only groups like town and parish councils and other community groups will have permission to stock it.

The move comes after winter snowfalls have previously left villages isolated with some residents, particularly pensioners, left stranded in their homes.

The salt will come out of an overall supply of 30,000 tons of salt currently held at the council's Stafford headquarters. It includes more than 10,000 tons which was left over from last winter.

The grit will be used to treat locally important footways and pedestrian routes.

The county will continue to distribute grit on the county's major roads.

Among the early applicants is Rugeley Town Council. "The initiative is aimed at community groups who are able to mobilise dedicated volunteers to treat the footways during periods of prolonged cold weather," said county council spokeswoman Michelle Hunt.

To take advantage of the Ice Busters scheme, interested parties need to contact their local community highway liaison team on 0300 111 8000.