West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin paid a visit to the teams gritting local frozen roads to say thanks for their hard work during the cold snap.

The MP visited the gritter HQ in Newland and chatted to the teams who have been working night and day to keep major roads safe as temperatures dipped well below freezing point.

Worcestershire County Council has teams of drivers on standby throughout the winter ready to spread a salt brine and grit mix to combat freezing temperatures.

For the rest of the year, the teams also carry out essential road maintenance work and are on standby to deal with emergencies like serious flooding.

Harriett said:

“The sudden dip in temperatures has meant that the gritting teams have had to work flat out keeping our roads open and I know that people greatly value their hard work.

“This really is a crucial task and as we head up towards Christmas their gritting trips across the county mean that our roads are clear as we go to work, the shops or travel to our friends and family for the festive break.

“I passed on the thanks to the team and hope that warmer temperatures this week will mean a slightly less busy period ahead.”

Photo: At Worcestershire County Council’s depot at Newland: Keith Corbett, Harriett Baldwin MP and Chris Riley.