When clearing snow and ice from paths and pavements:
- make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on
- shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides
- remove the top layer of snow in the morning, so any ice beneath melts during the day
- cover cleared areas with salt before nightfall to stop refreezing overnight; one tablespoon per square metre should work
- don't spread salt on plants or grass as it may damage them
- ensure piles of shovelled snow don’t block paths or drains
- you can use salt from public salting bins (grit bins) on paths
- don't use water to melt snow as it may refreeze and turn to ice, increasing the risk of injury
Clearing snow and ice in your community
Volunteer snow wardens are residents who give up their time to clear snow during bad weather, but you don't have to be a snow warden to assist in your community.
If you're able to help, ask your neighbours if they'd like you to clear snow and ice around their property as well.
Check on elderly or disabled neighbours in cold weather - contact Adult Social Care if you’re worried about them.
Our responsibilities in winter
In the case of wintry weather, we:
- carry out precautionary gritting on primary routes if there's a risk of frost, ice or snow
- clear snow from roads in order of priority
- grit city centre footpaths - however we don't routinely grit footpaths outside the city centre, car parks or cycle tracks, so please take care!
See a map of gritting routes and salt bins.
Also see
Neighbourhood Services
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