THE region’s councils are gearing up for winter, even as forecasters warn flooding – rather than sub-zero temperatures – could be the bigger threat.

Following severe winters in 2009-10 and 2010-11, thousands of extra tonnes of salt have been stockpiled, more gritters brought in and more advice issued to residents in an effort to keep the region safe and moving.

Durham County Council has stockpiled 42,000 tonnes of salt in barns and bought ten new gritters; and is planning to pre-salt 45 per cent of the county’s highways network.

Councillor Bob Young, cabinet member for strategic environment, said: “We are trying hard to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for any further bad weather this coming winter might bring.”

Darlington Borough Council is planning to routinely treat all its A roads, plus 200 other routes; and has issued advice to residents on avoiding winter water damage.

North Yorkshire County Council has 50,000 tonnes of salt ready and salt heaps and bins have been replenished.

The authority treats more than half of the county’s 5,600 miles of roads, the most of any English county, with a budget of £7.1m.

In recent years, it has bought seven new trailer gritters and 28 new snowploughs.

Coun Gareth Dadd, executive member for highways, said: “Winter maintenance is a top priority for the county council and once again we are well prepared for snow and icy conditions.”

Following last weekend’s snow, overnight temperatures are expected to drop back below zero towards the end of next week.

However, the Environment Agency and the Met Office seem more concerned about flooding, warning the wet summer has left much of the country much more vulnerable to heavy rain during November or December.

The wettest April to June on record, followed by further downpours in July, September and October, has left rivers high and the ground saturated. Emergency services have been warned even a small volume of rain could trigger a crisis.

The Highways Agency, which has more than 250,000 tonnes of salt and 500 winter vehicles ready, is set to launch a major safe winter driving campaign next week.