STOCKS of grit-salt have been boosted in Billericay with a delivery to the town council.

Now 100 one-tonne bags of grit-salt, which is used on icy pavements and highways, will be given out to residents across the town in time for this weekend’s cold snap, which threatens to cause more disruption.

Essex County Council gave out the bags after Billericay Town Council was chosen to take part in a one-year trial, which gives residents and community groups salt to put down in their neighbourhoods.

The county council decided to start the scheme after it found members of the public were vandalising street salt bins or taking all the salt to use on their own driveways and not to help the wider community.

Helen Philpot, town clerk for Billericay Town Council, said: “Billericay has a number of hills including Summerdale and Mount View.

“During the cold spells, people have found it hard to drive or walk up some of these roads as well as the pavements. Councillors have grouped together to fill up the bags and distribute them to residents because we are aware it might snow towards the end of this week.

“Essex County Council has already filled up some of our existing salt bins in the town, and we now distributing bags to residents who want to take part in the trial.”

The 100 bags have been given out for free and will be distributed to 43 residents who applied originally to have a salt bin installed in areas of the town.

Each bag contains white salt and grit, which should be used to cover 100 sq m.

If any residents wish to take part in the scheme contact the clerk at the council on 01277 625732 or e-mail townclerk@ billericaytowncouncil.gov.uk