The gritters are out already, a week earlier than the last couple of years Cumberland's gritters are out for the first time this winter, a week earlier than usual

First grit of the winter's done, and it's come about a week earlier than the last two years. Time to dig the scraper out and check the car's ready.

If you're out on the roads early or late, the cold's coming and the council knows it.

Cumberland's gritters went out for the first time this winter on Tuesday 10 November, salting the main routes ahead of forecast low temperatures on the road surface. That's about a week earlier than in each of the last two years. Each route got a precautionary 20 grams of salt per square metre.

Worth remembering: they do the priority routes, the main roads thousands of us use every day. Your street, your estate or the back lane to work might not get done, so don't assume it's been salted.

Cllr Denise Rollo, who looks after roads and transport at the council, said: "Our winter service teams are on standby around the clock during the colder months, and today's precautionary treatment marks the start of that work for the season."

She added: "While temperatures are only expected to be marginally low in some locations, treating routes in advance helps us reduce the risk of icy conditions developing on key parts of the network and helps keep people moving safely."

The council's also nudging us all to get sorted: check the car's ready for winter, plan journeys a bit earlier, get the house ready for frosty nights, and look out for older or vulnerable neighbours and family.

What to do: before you set off on a frosty morning, have a look at the council's snow and ice gritting map to see which roads have been done. We've already told you where the grit bins are, and the council still wants names for its newest gritters, so get your daftest ideas in through their social media or by email. And if you know someone who struggles when it's icy, give them a knock.

Cumberland Council has started its winter gritting season with a precautionary treatment of key routes, around a week earlier than in each of the last two years, and is urging people to get ready for colder weather.

This is for everyone who drives, cycles or walks on West Cumbria's roads, especially early in the morning and late at night.

Cumberland Council's gritters were sent out for the first time this season on Tuesday 10 November, treating key routes across the county ahead of forecast low road surface temperatures. The council says the start of its winter service has come around a week earlier than in each of the previous two years. Each route got a precautionary salt treatment of 20 grams per square metre.

The council grits priority routes, the roads used by thousands of drivers every day, so not every street is treated. Side roads and estates are usually left, which is why the grit bins and your own preparation matter.

Cllr Denise Rollo, the council's Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said: "Our winter service teams are on standby around the clock during the colder months, and today's precautionary treatment marks the start of that work for the season."

She added: "While temperatures are only expected to be marginally low in some locations, treating routes in advance helps us reduce the risk of icy conditions developing on key parts of the network and helps keep people moving safely."

The council is also asking people to get ready for colder weather now: check your car is winter-ready, plan journeys ahead, prepare your home for freezing temperatures and keep an eye on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.

What you can do: check the council's snow and ice gritting map, which shows which roads are treated, before you set off on a cold morning. Marra News has already covered where the grit bins are and the competition to name the council's newest gritters, which is still taking ideas through the council's social media and by email. If you rely on someone who struggles in the cold, now is a good time to check in on them.