Communities urged to get Ready for Winter in Renfrewshire

Preparations are underway in Renfrewshire to ensure the area is ready for winter, with communities being encouraged to plan ahead for severe weather and help to keep their neighbourhoods moving over the winter period. 

Council teams in Renfrewshire are preparing to deal with snow, ice and heavy rain as winter approaches with gritting teams covering more than 850km of roads across Renfrewshire on a priority basis.  

Local favourites including Ploughlo Grittini, Tony Gritzpatrick and Thawin’ Batty will have access to more than 4,500 tonnes of grit as gritting teams work on a 24/7 basis to keep the roads network safe. 

Hundreds of grit bins, including larger community grit bins, are available across Renfrewshire to support local people to clear pathways and areas in front of their homes, with council teams not always able to visit residential streets in advance of bad weather. 

Drains are being cleared in advance by council flooding teams, especially at known hotspots, to ensure they are as clear as possible if heavy rain was to hit Renfrewshire – and they will be ready to respond if extreme downpours overwhelm the drainage system.  

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Our teams will be there for our communities in all weathers as they grit the roads in advance of freezing weather, clear drains to prevent flooding, and remove snow from the network if it arrives. 

“You can support them by using your closest grit bin, including the larger community grit bins, to make the area around your home safe, clearing leaves away from drains near your home, and checking in on your neighbours to ensure they are safe and supported. 

“Winter can be a difficult time for a variety of reasons so it’s important that we come together as a community to look after each other and we’ll do our bit as the Council too to ensure Renfrewshire keeps moving throughout the winter period.” 

Council tenants are also being encouraged to ensure their homes are ready for the winter period, including knowing how to report a housing repair, how to avoid and deal with frozen pipes, and what they can do to support their local community. 

Councillor Campbell added: “Our housing and building services teams do a fantastic job responding to emergency repairs across the winter period and we know this is a vital service for council tenants who may have lost heating or hot water and need our support. 

“There are a range of things you can do to prepare your home in advance such as knowing how to turn your water off, having a store or food and emergency supplies, and keeping your home heated to prevent pipes freezing. 

“Our teams are available to support in advance and in emergencies and I want to thank them for the work they do to protect and repair homes for local people.” 

The Ready for Winter campaign also aims to provide residents, council tenants, businesses and employees with the support they need to be prepared for the winter period, including how to access annual flu vaccinations, how to prepare your home, your family, or your business for adverse weather, and how to access support with the cost of living. 

There will also be a range of support for wellbeing throughout the winter, with the Council’s Winter Connections programme of events and activities underway across Renfrewshire that provide everyone with a warm, welcoming place to be during the winter months. 

In addition, advice and support will be available for people dealing with mental health issues or struggling with the increasing cost of living, as well as signposting where people can get their annual vaccinations. 

For more information on the council’s preparations for winter and the support available over the winter period, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/RenReady.