Villages show true grit to keep roads clear

The people of Caddington, which two years ago was left with no power and poor driving conditions when severe winter weather hit, have bought their own gritter in partnership with Slip End to be operated, driven and managed by a group of local residents.

The first Central Bedfordshire parish service is being run in addition to Central Bedfordshire Council’s winter gritting maintenance programme, who grit A roads and priority routes, which means the local villages will be able to grit their local roads in severe icy and snowy conditions.

Working closely with Central Bedfordshire Council’s Highways team, the two parishes have collaborated on the procurement of the new gritter and now have a team who will be trained to operate their gritter.

Tony Hansen, Chairman of Caddington Parish Council, and Ken Crossett, Chairman of Slip End Parish Council, said: “Having a gritter shared between the two villages will help all of us keep mobile during the difficult winter periods without putting a strain on Central Bedfordshire’s Highways team.

“Our thanks goes to Councillor Richard Stay and Central Bedfordshire Council, who without their help and endurance, we would not have managed to secure this deal.”

Councllor Richard Stay, Central Bedfordshire Councillor for the Caddington Ward said: “Congratulations to both parishes who have worked together for the past two years to secure this new gritter for Caddington and Slip End.

“This really is localism in action and shows just how by seizing the initiative, you can really make a difference to the services in your community.”