Southend Council is offering free gritting equipment to people who attend the council’s salt depot this Saturday and sign the Snow Warden’s pledge.

Snow Wardens provide additional support for local residents by using the equipment provided to clear driveways and paths of ice, to help their neighbours and other users of the pavement use the walkways safely.

Mark Flewitt, councillor for public protection said: “The cold weather that is anticipated in the coming months brings with it difficult conditions for residents, particularly elderly and disabled residents who may struggle with the conditions.

“Signing up to become a Snow Warden enables residents to provide support for fellow residents and also to support Veolia staff who are out gritting the main pedestrian and vehicle routes across the borough.”

The packs, which include salt grit, snow shovels and high-visibility jackets, will be available for collection from 9am to 3pm at the salt depot in Short Street, Southend.

Veolia staff will be on hand to distribute the supplies to residents who have proof of an address within the Borough. Existing Snow Wardens can also come down and refill their stock.

Snow wardens pledge to use their supplies for the benefit of the wider community, adhere to the Council’s advisory information sheet ‘The Snow Code’, provide their e-mail address to receive Council updates and provide confirmation of community activity they have undertaken and check and report on local salt grit bins that need refilling

To express an interest in becoming a snow warden, or if you are unable to attend on the day but would still like to sign up, please call Veolia on 0203 567 6955 or email uk.southend-on-sea@veolia.com.

For further information and a map of grit bins in the Borough, you can visit www.southend.gov.uk/grit