Residents reminded to apply for a free community salt bag – before 1 November
23 October 2018
Residents across Aberdeen were today reminded they only have a week left to apply for a free community salt bag which they can use to treat icy roads and pavements in their neighbourhood.
The deadline for applying is Thursday 1 November and individual or groups who are wanting to salt pavements and roads using the bag should apply via the webpage www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/winter.
The scheme is designed to help communities help themselves as winter starts, as unfortunately it is not possible to treat every road and pavements at the same time which is why there is a priority system to treat the areas in greatest need first.
In addition to the one-tonne community salt bags, residents will this year for the first time also be able to access big community salt bins which are being placed in strategic locations around the city. There are 14 confirmed locations for the big community salt bins with some more to be announced in the coming weeks.
The confirmed locations for the bin 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).
Aberdeen City Council transport spokesman Councillor Ross Grant said: "We’d urge people to apply now for the one-tonne community salt bags as we have a cut-off date of 1 November for them this year to ensure we can delivery them to people in plenty of time.
“Unfortunately, our hard-working gritting staff can't be everywhere all the time as there are 560 miles of roads in Aberdeen, slightly more than the distance from the city to London, and there are 1,242 miles of pavements, which is the distance from Aberdeen to Rome, so the community-spirited help is much appreciated.
“The self-help one-tonne community salt bags scheme has been very popular and we hope there won’t be a harsh winter but it’s good for everyone in our communities to be as prepared as possible.”
Preparations for the winter have been underway for weeks and we have a dedicated workforce of 90 people to cover 24/7 operations on our roads and pavements.
The one-tonne community salt bags are delivered free of charge, are replaced as necessary, and are removed at the end of winter. The one-tonne community salt bags, like the salt provided in grit bins, are provided for use only on public areas.
Terms and conditions apply including the applicant must have secure and accessible area, like a driveway or garage, available for storage, there must be access for the delivery lorry, and they cannot be placed on pavements or grass verges.
More information about Aberdeen City Council winter maintenance planning is available from www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/winter.