FORECASTERS have predicted cold weather hitting Gwent in the not too distant future, with snow possible in the next few weeks. 

With the change in weather on its way, the Argus asked local authorities in Gwent how preparations for the winter are taking shape. 

Monmouthshire County Council said it had trained additional drivers for their gritters as a contingency for potential Covid-related absences, or losing drivers to other industries. 

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A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said: “The council has been undertaking detailed winter service planning during the summer and autumn months. 

“While we have seen some delays to deliveries of road salt, we will have full stocks of salt shortly and our gritters are on station and ready to be used. 

“We have in-built resilience in our team that drive the gritters during the winter season. As a contingency for Covid-19 impact, and potential loss of drivers to other industries, we have engaged and trained colleagues from local companies as an additional layer of resilience.” 

In Torfaen, the council said its teams are making the final preparations ahead of the winter season, which they said is planned to start on November 1. 

A council spokesperson said they had a fleet of eight HGVs and two smaller gritters, and were fully stocked with 5,600 tonnes of salt – “enough to last one and a half normal winters.”

There is no shortage of drivers in Torfaen, the council spokesperson said, with three teams of seven drivers set to start their winter rounds. 

In Blaenau Gwent, a spokesman confirmed the council’s fleet of gritters were operational and ready for use, that the council had grit ready for use, and there was no shortage of drivers. 

Caerphilly County Council said it's fleet of gritters are prepared for the winter. 

A council spokesman said the council had more than 9,000 tonnes of grit in stock, and that grit bins were also being refilled.

The council have no issues surrounding driver availability.

Newport council was also contacted for information.