From Grittney Gears to Selena Snowmez: Walsall gritters named by school kids
Grittney Gears, Thaw's Hammer and Snow Trouble – just some of the names given to gritter trucks as they prepare to tackle the Black Country's icy roads this winter.
When the teeth-chattering weather arrives the trucks in Walsall will surely bring a smile to a few faces after being re-named by schoolchildren.
During the summer Walsall Council, along with highways contractor Tarmac, invited schools across the borough to take part in a 'name the gritter' competition.
Winning entries also included Selena Snowmez and Gritzilla.
Cabinet member Councillor Louise Harrison said: "The children were asked to think of a name that was short and relevant and we think they’ve really nailed it – the entries were brilliant.
“To thank the children who submitted the winning names, we invited them and their families to join us at our annual ‘Operation Snowfall’ launch day at the highways depot in Brownhills to see their winning entries on a vehicle.
"They also had the opportunity to see how the vehicles are loaded with salt and have their ploughs fitted and a ride in ‘their’ gritter around the site."
In recent weeks crews have also been busy making sure the 200 plus grit bins around the borough are stocked up with salt for residents to use on roads and footways.
The official winter service starts on November 1, but last weekend was used as a 'trial run' to ensure that driving routes are clear for when the snow and ice begin to appear.
'Operation Snowfall' saw six routes being checked and timed.
This work is important preparation for when all the gritters, Grittney Gears, Snow Trouble, Selena Snowmez, Gritzilla, Grittendor and Thaws Hammer take to the roads to spread grit to guard against icy weather and help keep traffic moving safely.
Councillor Harrison added: "As always, we're well prepared for the winter and not just here at the depot. Decisions about whether we’ll be sending ‘Grittney’ and friends out are made on a daily basis by the winter service decision makers."
The winning entries were; Grittney Gears by Bentley West Primary School and Watling Street Primary School, Snow Trouble by Mayfield Preparatory School, Selena Snowmez by Blakenall Heath Junior School, Gritzilla by Barcroft Primary School, Grittendor by St Francis Catholic Primary School, and Thaws Hammer by Park Hall Junior Academy.
