Dedicated road crews have been out and about in Largs with their snowploughs – before there is even a hint of snow in the air.

The council undertook its annual ‘dry run’ to ensure their fleet of gritting vehicles are well prepared in advance.

The test enables staff to carry out essential checks on equipment and vehicles, as well as familiarise themselves with gritting routes.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie of the council cabinet said: “This is an invaluable exercise. We take our responsibility as Roads Authority very seriously and put in an enormous amount of effort to ensure that priority roads and footways are kept clear and safe during winter. I’m confident that we’re well prepared.”

A squad of 35 drivers and 15 multi-purpose vehicles will be available 24/7 to keep the area’s priority routes in use throughout winter.

The council will also be on-call over weekends and public holidays from November to February to help treat main footways in the event of ice and frost.

There are grit bins and larger community bins from which residents can collect salt for personal use on roads, driveways or footpaths.

Visit www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/winter-gritting.aspx for more details.