6800 tonnes of salt bought in for winter

Another 3000 tonnes of salt is soon to arrive at Midlothian Council’s Fushiebridge Depot, in addition to the 3800 tonnes already stockpiled there.

A mix of salt and grit will be made available at 16 specified places, in addition to the 494 grit bins placed throughout the council area for general use.

The focus this year will again be on keeping priority roads – such as bus routes and those near hospitals and emergency services – open.

The council said it is relying on residents to help by clearing footpaths and pavements outside their homes if able to do so and to ensure checks are made on the elderly and vulnerable.

Councillor Wilma Chalmers, cabinet member for commercial operations, said: “Let’s hope the winter is nothing like as bad as last year’s which was probably the worst in the best part of a century.

“However, we must be prepared – hence the stockpiling now rather than later.

“We used less than 6800 tonnes last year so we are well placed to take on whatever the weather throws at us.”