Free grit and rock salt for Wandsworth residents this winter

It's tricky to know what sort of winter is in store for us in London these days. If our 2021 summer is anything to go by, one week after heavy rain floods Clapham and Battersea we'll be chilling out pondering what to do about climate change while bronzing in a mini-heatwave.

Ultimately, whatever new and unseasonably strange weather may be thrown our way, the Northern Hemisphere's lot in life is knowing to never forget a winter is always coming.

With this in mind, Clapham residents who live in the borough of Wandsworth can once again collect free-of-charge grit from the council to clear frozen footpaths if and when the cold spell hits.

When snow falls the council's fleet of gritting vehicles are dispatched to clear it, but with nearly 230 miles of road surface and 460 miles of pavements, that mammoth task takes time to complete.

To help keep paths safe while that happens, every year around two tonnes of grit is handed out to residents, community groups and neighbourhood watch co-ordinators.

A spokesperson for Wandsworth Council said: "When there is a cold and icy snap local people often contact the town hall to volunteer to clear paths in their neighbourhoods, which is why free grit is offered to residents.

"Local people also have much better knowledge of their neighbourhoods and are better placed to clear ice from the front garden paths of vulnerable or elderly people living close by."

The council will also supply sacks of grit to Wandsworth's 200 neighbourhood watch co-ordinators and fill up grit bins across the borough so local residents have an immediate stock near to hand.

These 55 bins are located around the borough, mainly in hilly areas where icy pavements can be treacherous. To find your nearest salt bin visit wandsworth.gov.uk/snow

Residents who want to take advantage of the offer should visit the council depot in Dormay Street between 9am and midday on Saturday, November 13 and Saturday, November 20, bringing proof of address to show they live in the borough of Wandsworth.

The depot's postcode is SW18 1EY for people using sat-navs.

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