Extra salt in stock for winter

Extra salt has been stocked up by Walsall Council chiefs ahead of the winter season with more than 4,000 tons in storage.

Highways bosses have prepared for the impending bad weather by buying in supplies to help keep roads flowing during the cold snap.

Around 3,200 tons of grit were purchased last year with the winter service operated from the Brownhills depot which opened just over 12 months ago.

In a report to councillors transport chief Tom Ansell said: "At the new depot we are fully stocked for the forthcoming season with more than 4,000 tons in store. We generally target a minimum of some 3,500 tons for the start of the season."