WIRRAL'S gritters were out in force in the early hours of this morning as the cold snap began to bite. 

They set off from Wirral's new salt dome, which opened in Cleveland Street, Birkenhead, in January.

Affectionately know 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.

From early November until April, staff from the council and its highways contractor, BAM Nuttall, will be on standby 24 hours a day, ready to determine what action to take and respond when its regular weather forecasts from MeteoGroup UK predict weather conditions which include freezing road surfaces.

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

Councillor 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 we are well prepared for snow and icy conditions. 

"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 look out for your 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."