Antrim and Newtownabbey’s town centres will be gritted this winter before shops and businesses open in the morning, the borough council’s Operations Committee has been told.
A report to the committee stated that council facilities will also be gritted before staff arrive for work.
However, gritting will take place in line with local “micro climates”.
Councillors have been advised that areas may be gritted in Glengormley due to sub-zero temperatures, for example, but there may be “no requirement to do so in Crumlin if the temperature is above freezing”.
Councillors have been told that gritting may not be able to take place during periods of heavy rain or snow.
A designated council officer will decide whether or not gritting should be carried out if there is a “strong possibility of ice occurring” based on Met Office warnings and media weather reports.
In the event of severe weather, road conditions will be assessed to decide whether or not bin collections can be carried out safely.
Street cleaning may be suspended during heavy snow and staff re-allocated to clearance operations. Removal of snow will be dependent on “availability of resources”.
