Gritting teams continue to plough on to keep Lancashire's roads safe and open
After a busy few days preparing for the snow and ice, gritting crews are continuing their efforts to make Lancashire roads safe.
Weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place in the North West.
Overnight saw freezing temperatures in parts of Lancashire and our gritting teams were out in the early hours to our priority roads safe and open.
It follows several days of activity on our network to prepare for the snow and ice.
The county council has a fleet of 45 gritters it can call upon, and includes two new specialist vehicles called Unimogs that are equipped with a motorised plough.
The current advice is do not travel unless necessary.
A number of schools have remained closed today and will contact parents to update them on when they will reopen.
The specialist Unimog vehicles have been added to the fleet
Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
"Our teams have been working around the clock to make Lancashire's roads safe for everyone.
"While we're doing everything we can, it simply isn't possible to treat every one of the 4000+ miles of road we maintain as a council.
"Our focus has instead been on keeping our priority routes open and moving, and once they are done, we can move onto our secondary routes.
"Despite our best efforts, conditions may still be difficult so don't travel unless necessary and consider your travel plans over the coming days.
"As the ice thaws out, it's possible that some areas may see localised flooding and if that happens, we will be ready to respond as we have done throughout the New Year period.
"Stay vigilant and if you are faced with an emergency then contact the emergency services.
"Lastly, I'd like to give a huge thanks to our highways teams and our partners for their efforts in responding to the extreme weather over the Christmas and New Year period."
Lancashire's Director of Public Health has also issued some advice.
He's asking people to look out for friends and family who might be vulnerable to colder temperatures.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, Lancashire County Council, said:
"Cold weather can have serious consequences on health, so it's really important we look out for one another.
"Older people, young children and those with certain long-term health conditions may be particularly at risk.
"If it is safe to do so, people can also visit your local library, which is part of a network of warm, safe and welcoming spaces to support residents during the winter months."
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi
To find your nearest warm space visit: Warm Spaces In Lancashire
For more information about flooding, visit The Flood Hub
For more information about staying safe this winter, visit lancashire.gov.uk/winter
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