AS Wirral braces itself for the predicted return of freezing weather this week more than 400 tonnes of salt have been stockpiled at a new storage facility.

The 'salt dome' in Cleveland Street depot in Birkenhead was officially opened today.

Affectionately known as ‘the igloo’ due to its distinctive timber dome structure, it has a 3,000 tonne capacity and loading and parking areas for gritters and facilities for gritter teams.

It replaces the old facility which was in a poor condition.

The salt stored at Cleveland Street will be used to grit Wirral’s roads and replenish salt bins around the borough.

Cllr Stuart Whittingham, Wirral’s cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, said: "Keeping the network open and on the move throughout the worst of the winter weather is a complex operation.

"Nevertheless, winter maintenance is a top priority for Wirral Council and this new storage facility ensures that we are well prepared for snow and icy conditions."

From early November to April each year, staff from the council and its Highways Contactor, BAM Nuttall, are on standby 24 hours a day ready to respond when its regular weather forecasts from MeteoGroup UK suggest action will be required.

There are 10 full size gritters and two mini-gritters available for use for Highways Winter Service operations this winter and snow ploughs are also be available for use with each of the full-size gritters.

The 10 main gritting routes are continually assessed to ensure that major bus routes, certain school routes and strategic vehicle routes across Wirral are treated.

There are also 286 grit bins installed and stocked up across the borough to supplement the work that the gritters are doing out on the roads.

Cllr Whittingham added: "I would just like to add that at this time of year we would advise people, where they can, to make sure their own property is safe for other people to use and to look out for their neighbours wherever possible, particularly if they are elderly and vulnerable.

"Contrary to popular belief, it is unlikely that you will be held responsible if someone is injured on a path or pavement if you have cleared it carefully.

"And, with almost 300 grit bins in Wirral, you can use the map on the council website to find your nearest grit bin, and use it to spread salt on pavements in your area."