During the heavy snows of last winter, many residents of Hampshire Close felt isolated when the icy conditions meant they couldn’t venture out and about. During the run-up to the May elections. Paul was often asked about the possibility of a grit bin for the area as the nearest ones were at the junction of Berkshire Drive/Dorset Avenue and Dunsford Road/Bowhay Lane. Since his election, Cllr Bull has lobbied Devon County Council hard and often for a grit in to serve Hampshire Close.

Paul was happy to learn that a grit bin was recently delivered and installed at the junction of Hampshire Close with Dorset Avenue.

Cllr Bull and Cllr Morris would like to point out how to use the grit from the bin:

• Spread the salt/grit evenly on the road or footpath when ice or snow conditions are forecast.
• Only a small amount of salt is needed to prevent ice forming. The recommended amount is one to two tablespoons per square metre.
• They also wish to remind you that salt/grit from the grit bins must not to be used on private land or driveways; salt for this purpose can be obtained from builders’ merchants.
• Excessive use of the salt is of no benefit and will reduce stocks very quickly. If the grit bin stocks are running low, please contact l the MyDevon Roads & Transport line on 0845 155 1004 give the location of the bin.

The unique identity number inside the lid is GB 5404

Devon County Council has a series of factsheets covering all aspects of winter precautions that can be found at: http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/councildemocracy/publicsafety/emergencies/winter.htm