SUFFOLK'S gritting teams and community volunteers are busily preparing for freezing temperatures, which are due to hit the county over the next few days.

Gritting teams are ready to take to the roads in the early hours and evenings, with 17,000 tonnes of salt in stock at depots across Suffolk.

Councillor Guy McGregor, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for roads, transport and planning said; 'Our teams use sophisticated weather systems to monitor road temperatures and take decisions just hours in advance, sending our gritters out if necessary. We are responsible for keeping traffic moving over 1,200 miles of roads, and that's just for our priority major roads and busy commuter routes.

'Thanks to our improvements to set up a salt barn at Phoenix House in Ipswich, storing and despatching salt supplies to the heart of the county, plus our additional store at Mobbs Way in Lowestoft, we're better placed than ever before to keep Suffolk moving in severe winter weather.'

Community volunteers also have a vital role when it comes to using locally supplied grit bins to keep residential roads, school playgrounds and pavements clear from ice and snow.

• To get involved as a community volunteer, people should contact Keith Fawkner-Simpson by email keith.fawkner-simpson@suffolk.gov.uk

• For the latest weather alerts and forecasts, visit www.metoffice.gov.uk