VITAL services operating across Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) are ready for winter as the temperatures start to drop.

The local authority says its fleet of gritter lorries will cover 256 km of roads this winter, and will have access to more than 5,000 tonnes of grit.

Communities can also make use of more than 500 grit bins to help keep their streets clear of ice.

The council's winter plan will run until March 2025 with gritter drivers covering a 24 hours a day, seven days a week rota to keep priority routes open. 

Councillor Michael McCormick, convener of the Environment and Regeneration committee, said council teams are ready, as they always are, to deal with whatever the winter has in store.  

He added: "The current cold spell is a reminder of the impact of winter weather.

"Our priority gritting routes keep Inverclyde moving but we would always encourage residents to grit their driveways and pavements.

"A list of grit bin locations is available on our website and I would urge people to locate their nearest one and get in touch via our customer contact centre when it needs refilled."

Urgent messaging on severe weather issues will be shared on the council's social media channels, as will changes to services such as libraries, social work centres, its customer contact centre, and bin collections. 

More information is available at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/winter.