WORKERS at Worcestershire County Council gritting depot in Newland, Malvern, have been thanked for their hard work over the winter.

Council chairman, Coun Mary Drinkwater, this week visited the depot to thank the staff who helped keep the county's main roads running during the season's freezing weather.

With spring now well and truly here Worcestershire County Council's gritting teams have officially stood down after clocking up around 48,000 miles during another busy season – the equivalent of travelling back and forth to the North Pole from Malvern town centre more than five times.

It's been a few weeks since the fleet of 31 gritting vehicles hit the roads but, because of the unpredictable nature of British weather, teams were officially on standby until last Friday (April 15).

The county was once again gripped by prolonged spells of sub-zero temperatures this winter, especially during December when gauges dipped as low as minus 19C in some parts of Worcestershire.

Gritting teams go on standby from mid-October each year and weather conditions are constantly monitored to ensure all designated primary and secondary routes, which take in around 800 miles of road around the county during one run, are treated when necessary.

The work of the authority's Winter Maintenance teams doesn't stop when the weather picks up. Preparations have already kicked off to put everything in place for the next winter season.

As happens every year any comments received from residents over the summer months will help shape future plans for things like gritting routes and grit bin locations. Anyone with a view should get in touch with the Worcestershire Hub on 0845 607 2005 or email grittingreview@worcestershire.gov.uk Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council's Customer and Community Manager, said: "We've experienced another very cold winter and the gritting teams worked flat out when necessary, including over the Christmas and New Year period, to keep the roads as safe as possible. I'm sure their efforts have once again been appreciated by residents.

"The sun has been shining and temperatures have been on the up over the last couple of weeks meaning for most people the bitterly cold conditions of just a few months ago are a distant memory. However, we're already looking forward to next winter so if anyone has any comments at all regarding things like gritting routes or grit bins then they should get in touch because all feedback is considered when we plan ahead within the resources we have for the next season."