GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council gave residents advice for highways around the winter period.

The authority reminded residents about the best way to report any blocked drains or damaged roads, and what action to take for gritting.

It said blocked drains can be reported online with Fix My Street. In the case of flooding to properties, residents can use FORT (Flood Online Reporting Tool). It also said grit bins are available across the county for residents to use on public paths and roads, recommending a handful of salt or thin layers.

Director of Transport and Highways Jason Humm said: “Our highways teams are working every day to help keep the roads safe during winter. We’re ready to respond 24/7 to snow, ice, heavy rain or storms, on top of routine maintenance and repair work – clearing drains and fixing potholes during the day and gritting the roads at night. It’s a busy time of year and residents can help by staying aware of weather conditions, driving with care and reporting issues online with Fix My Street.”

In November, the council carried out more than ten grit runs spreading salt across the county’s roads. The council stores 11,400 tonnes of salt at its highways depots, which is enough to fill 114 million kitchen table top salt shakers.

More information is available online.