The search is on to find Lichfield and Burntwood residents to help beat the big freeze.
Staffordshire County Council is appealing to parish councils in the region to sign up to the voluntary Ice Busters scheme.
The initiative aims to use local knowledge to help target grit supplies in the areas which really need it.
Mike Maryon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The highways crews will be gritting more than 40 per cent of the road network when the winter weather hits – putting Staffordshire in the top three local authorities in the country for its treatment schedule.
“This is an incredibly demanding operation and unfortunately the county hasn’t got the resources to grit the footpaths as well.
“That is why I am calling on parish councils to take up the gritting gauntlet and use their in depth knowledge to help keep vulnerable and elderly people as safe as possible. They have the expertise needed to priorities any hotspots in their towns and villages and can best determine local need.”
Parish councils that would like to find out more about the Ice Busters scheme can call 0300 111 8000 or visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/icebusters,
“It is all about giving parish councils ownership of their communities and supporting them in pulling together an efficient and effective gritting rota during the colder months,” Cllr Maryon added.
“By joining forces we will really make a difference and I would urge parish councils to contact the highways hotline and sign up to Ice Busters.
“The scheme was a success in its first year and I’m sure that by working as a team we can have a positive impact on vulnerable residents’ quality of life this year too.”
