On Air Now

Only Jams

8:00pm - 10:00pm

Now Playing

Status Quo

Rockin’ All Over The World

Listen Live Watch

Wheels in motion as Rochdale’s winter gritting service gears up

Monday, 17 November 2025 16:46

By David Murphy

Rochdale Council’s winter highways team is on standby as freezing temperatures and wintry conditions begin to take hold across the borough.

Seven gritters and a fleet of snow ploughs are ready to tackle icy roads, supported by a dedicated crew working round-the-clock on a 24/7 rota.

Approximately 4,500 tonnes of salt are stockpiled at the Princess Street depot, with teams monitoring conditions using roadside weather stations at Blackstone Edge, Edenfield Road and Heywood Old Road, as well as a computerised ice detection system.

Gritting is prioritised on A roads and major routes, covering 200 miles of highway per run. Each of the borough’s seven routes takes around four hours to complete.

In addition, around 700 grit bins are available for residents to use on public roads and paths during adverse weather.

Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways, said:

“The work our winter team do is so important. Our drivers are ready to mobilise at a moment’s notice, including over Christmas and New Year, and will often work overnight while the rest of us are asleep to ensure that the roads are clear by the morning.”

He added:

“We know how important it is to keep the borough moving, particularly for our emergency services, who don’t have the option to stay at home when conditions get treacherous.

“Although the team works really hard, it’s important for drivers to remember that grit can only do so much and that it’s best to stay at home if possible in periods of extreme weather.”

Residents are also urged to park considerately to allow gritters to pass and to check on vulnerable neighbours. The council has reminded drivers to prepare their vehicles for winter and carry essentials like de-icers and blankets.

Share

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Only Jams

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    with Chris Bucko playing Indie, Rock, Metal and Alternative with Guests.

  • George Buswell

    10:00pm - Midnight

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.

  • Up Before the Alarm

    5:00am - 7:00am

    for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.

  • Wednesday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.