The council’s 21 gritters will cover 17 primary routes — around 40% of the borough’s road network, or approximately 678 miles — to help keep key roads open during freezing conditions.

Around 500 grit bins have also been restocked for use on local roads and pavements. The council said its highways team will monitor weather forecasts closely and respond when road surface temperatures drop below freezing.

Cllr Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: ‘Winter throws the worst weather at us – ice, snow and storms and all of which has the biggest impact on our roads. However, we are committed to keeping our highways safe and the traffic moving, so will act quickly, whatever the weather may bring.’

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