Residents urged to apply for a free one-tonne community salt bag before 15 November

04 November 2020

Residents across Aberdeen were today reminded to apply for a free community salt bag to treat icy roads and pavements in their neighbourhood before the deadline of 15 November.

The scheme is designed to help communities help themselves when winter starts and, in addition, big community salt bins will again be available in strategic locations around the city.

Aberdeen City Council transport spokesperson Councillor Sandra Macdonald said: "Council workers are gearing up for winter and communities are encouraged to play their part too. We have a dedicated workforce of around 90 to cover 24/7 operations on our roads and pavements and they do their best under challenging conditions, often going above and beyond to keep the city moving. Almost half of the city’s roads and our busiest pavements on Union Street are treated before 7.30am.

“Unfortunately, our staff can't be everywhere at the same time so we have created as many opportunities as possible to enable communities to help themselves and their neighbours.”

The one-tonne community salt bags, like the salt provided in grit bins, will be for use only on public areas. A secure and accessible area, like a driveway or garage, would have to be available for storing the one-tonne community salt bags.

Any groups which would like a one-tonne bag should apply online through https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/people-and-communities/get-ready-winter/one-tonne-salt-bags before 15 November. The community salt bags are delivered free of charge, are replaced as necessary, and are removed at the end of winter.

The locations for the big community salt bins are Bridge of Don (Laurel Drive), Garthdee (Asda car park – next to recycling facilities), Torry (Girdleness Road), Union Row, Crown Terrace (next to bins), Justice Street (next to recycling bins), Seaton Drive (car park on entry to Seaton Walk), Regent Court (car park), Northfield (Byron Square), Hilton (at the top of Anderson Road, next to Stewart Park), Rosemount (Leadside Road), Kingswells Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Craibstone Park & Ride (west car park), Bridge of Don Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Countesswells Road, Dyce (Asda car park-next to recycling facilities), Fernhill Drive (near Fernhill Road), Johnston Gardens North (At turning area), Tillydrone (Pennan Road – beside Library).

More information about gritting routes and winter maintenance from Aberdeen City Council is available from www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/winter.