Cumberland Council is calling on people to put their creative thinking caps on and help name its five gritters.
The gritters are driven by members of Cumberland Council’s highways team and the authority said: “This light-hearted yet meaningful competition is a fun way to engage the community while spotlighting the crucial work of the team.”
This year, there’s an extra special gritter to name in honour of BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Mike Zeller.
The council is looking for a creative, pun-filled name for his gritter, which will join the fleet of vehicles sporting names that have brought smiles in previous years, such as David Ploughie, Ready Spreadie Go, and Spready Mercury.
Residents can participate by voting via email at [email protected] or online through the council’s Facebook page at @CumberlandCouncil1 or on the highways X page @CumberlandRoads.
The deadline for entries is Thursday December 19 at 5pm.
Over 1,500km of roads are set to be treated – 42% of all roads in Cumberland – this winter. The council has 16,000 tonnes of rock salt stored in Lillyhall, Bootle, Dalston, and Brampton, and 3,600 stocked grit bins across the region.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “This competition is a fun way to bring the community together, but it also highlights the importance of road safety during winter. Our dedicated highways team works around the clock to keep roads clear and safe. This is a unique chance for residents to have some fun while acknowledging the vital efforts that go into winter preparations.
“So, getting your woolly thinking hats on, warm up your imaginations and please submit your votes.”
