West Dunbartonshire Council is ready for winter.

The council has restocked its salt supplies and has teams on standby 24 hours a day to tackle icy conditions.

They have already been called into action in late November as temperatures dropped.

The council grits around 224km of roads, which is about 62.7 per cent of West Dunbartonshire's public road network, when severe weather is forecast.

This includes tricky bends, steep inclines, and areas prone to icing.

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When frost is predicted, roads of primary importance, including A and B Class roads, main urban traffic routes, and routes to schools, are treated.

This makes up about 156km, or 43.5 per cent, of the public road network.

More than 450 grit bins are also available for residents to use on their streets.

Councillor David McBride, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “Ours teams are ready to react to weather conditions to help keep residents safe during cold temperatures.

"They are also busy ensuring grit bins are replenished to make sure people can still get out and about.

“Residents can also take note of these tips to prepare for the colder weather ahead and be winter ready.

"We would also encourage everyone to look out for their neighbours and loved ones during periods of adverse weather.”

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Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, added: “The teams are busy monitoring detailed weather forecasts to understand what action needs to be taken and when.

"We hope residents are ready too so if ice and snow hits, the impact is not as severe as it might be otherwise.”

The council has also issued advice to residents on how to prepare for the colder weather:

Frozen pipes: Before attempting to thaw out your pipes, check for leaking joints or bursts. If there are none, and if it’s safe to do so, gently warm any frozen sections with a heated cloth wrapped around the pipe. Never apply a direct flame or attempt to thaw pipes by switching on your immersion heater or boiler;

Lost power: If you lose power, call 105 – it’s free of charge and will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice;

Car emergency kit: Keep safe during travelling by keeping a car emergency kit, with items including: a first aid kit; battery jump leads; a torch and spare batteries; a map for unplanned diversions; a blanket; a reflective warning sign; an ice scraper and de-icer; a shovel for snow; warm clothes and boots; some food, and a warm drink in a flask.

Know our routes and grit bin locations: Information on the council’s priority primary and secondary gritting routes and your nearest grit bin can be found online here https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/roads-parking-travel/gritting-and-grit-bins/winter-maintenance.