Gloucestershire County Council has welcomed the recommendation that 250,000 tonnes of salt be shipped into the UK to prepare for winter.

The report, published today by a government-appointed winter resilience review panel, says England could be up to half a million tonnes or more short of salt if winter 2010/11 is as severe as winter 2009/10.

Last year many councils struggled to manage their roads as a severe salt shortage gripped the whole of the country.

Salt suppliers were unable to keep up with their deliveries because demand was so high.

In Gloucestershire, early preparation meant we had enough salt to get through the crisis, but like all councils we were unable to replenish our stocks fully because of the shortage.

Cllr Stan Waddington cabinet member for environment has welcomed today’s recommendation, saying: “This recommendation is extremely positive and we’d back any measures that help keep the country moving in severe weather.

“During last winter we had enough salt to manage our roads, but demand on salt providers has been extremely high for the past two winters with many councils being unable to replenish their stocks.

“If we were to experience severe weather again this winter, there’s no doubt salt suppliers would have the same problems.

“This recommendation would provide a much-needed extra source of supply for the councils that do run out and ensure that Gloucestershire has access to additional stocks if we need it.”

Gloucestershire County Council has been planning for next winter since May with our stocks up to full capacity already.

In order to be as prepared as possible, we have increased our stock levels from 4,500 tonnes two years ago to 9,600 tonnes today with the opening of our new salt dome in Moreton.

Plans are also afoot to build another new salt dome in Stroud, which would bring our capacity up to 11,000 tonnes.

Cllr Waddington added: “While winter seems a long way off we have to make sure we’re ready for whatever comes our way.

“Planning ahead last year ensured we had enough to get through the winter, but it wasn’t easy.

“Having access to an additional source of supply like the one being suggested would be fantastic and I hope the government backs this recommendation.”