Push for extra gritting at busy Doagh junction

Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown has called for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s gritting schedule to be extended to cover part of Doagh.

Speaking at a meeting of the council’s Operations Committee at Antrim Civic Centre on Monday evening, Cllr Archibald-Brown asked for the square at the corner of Main Street and Ballyclare Road to be included.

She described the pedestrian area as “a very slippery surface”.

Her proposal was seconded by Antrim Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly, who said it was “certainly worth a look”.

Michael Laverty, the council’s director of sustainability, responded: “We will certainly have a look at it. We do try to stick to the footways.”

Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster also raised the issue of grit type, suggesting that the brown variety be used instead of rock salt, arguing that it is “more environmentally friendly”.

The committee went on to approve the council’s winter operations plan, which runs from November to April. The plan includes snow clearance and gritting at all council facilities, as well as designated areas such as town and village centres and car parks, alongside maintaining waste collection services during adverse weather.

According to the report, gritting will be carried out by council staff and a contractor at a cost of £24,000. The plan is activated “when there is a strong likelihood of ice, as indicated by Met Office warnings and media weather reports”.

This winter, the council also intends to maintain “community grit piles”, with grit supplied during “prolonged periods of adverse weather”.

In addition, “community winter resilience kits” will be made available on request to individuals and community groups willing to assist with gritting and snow clearance in their area. The kits include a salt spreader, salt, grit box, snow shovels, ice grippers, gloves, and hi-vis vests.