SNOWPLOUGHS have been out in force across North Ayrshire – without even a hint of snow in the air.

North Ayrshire Council had a ‘dry run’ to ensure their fleet of snow clearing and gritting vehicles are well prepared in advance of the winter weather.

The test run enables staff to check out equipment and vehicles as well as familiarise themselves with routes.

A squad of 37 drivers and 17 multi-purpose vehicles will be available 24/7 to keep the area’s priority routes in use throughout winter.

These round-the-clock measures will be in place from late October to mid-April.

The council will also be on-call over weekends and public holidays from November to February. Some 8,500 tonnes of road salt is stocked at the council’s mainland storage depot in Kilwinning, with a further 1,600 tonne stockpile being kept at their depot at Brodick in Arran.

Salt is also stored at strategic points throughout the area for use by residents.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “We have to be prepared for the every eventuality. That’s why exercises such as this are invaluable in ensuring we are well positioned to deal with the worst of the winter weather if and when it arrives.”

Visit https://www.northayrshire.gov.uk/roads-andtravel/winter-gritting.aspx for details.