Cumbria may be sweltering, but a local authority’s thoughts are already turning to winter.
Cumberland Council has approved its winter service review this week.
It confirmed no further changes will be made to its winter gritting network ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Cumberland Council approved the review after considering requests regarding the newly opened Carlisle Southern Link Road and a route between Corby Hill and Castle Carrock.
The authority confirmed Carlisle Southern Link Road and its associated slip roads have now been incorporated into the primary winter treatment network.
However, the route between Corby Hill and Castle Carrock via Toppin Castle would not be added to the treatment network.
The council said circumstances had not changed since previous assessments were undertaken.
The winter service operates between September and April to help keep key routes open and accessible during periods of snow and ice.
Due to the size of the road network, priority is given to the most important roads to ensure people, goods and essential services can continue to travel safely where reasonably practicable.
Karl Melville, assistant director for highways and transport at Cumberland Council, said: “Our winter service is an essential frontline service that helps keep Cumberland moving during some of the most challenging weather conditions of the year.
“Each year we review our network and operational arrangements to ensure they continue to meet local needs and national best practice. This year’s review found that the current arrangements remain appropriate, with the addition of the Carlisle Southern Link Road now fully incorporated into our treatment programme.
“While it is not practical to treat every road across Cumberland, our priority network ensures that key routes used by residents, businesses, emergency services and public transport remain as safe and accessible as possible during winter conditions.”
The council’s winter service policy is reviewed annually, with a full review undertaken every five years.
The authority said this ensured routes continued to reflect the needs of communities and the wider highway network in line with national guidance.
