THE North-East’s biggest council claims it is as well prepared as it can be for another harsh winter, following a regional salt summit.

Earlier this year, many of the region’s councils came close to running out of salt during the worst winter in 30 years – and some forecasters are already warning of a freezing end to 2010.

But Durham County Council, which temporarily cut gritting to 15 per cent of all routes in February, says it has built new salt barns, is updating gritting routes, introducing a priority pavement plan, lining up a fleet of tractors for clearing estates and drawing up new arrangements for farmers.

Salt barns have been built at Chilton and Annfield Plain, increasing the county’s undercover storage capacity by 13,000 tonnes, to 40,000 tonnes.

Durham also hosted a regional salt summit, attended by bosses from all 12 North-East councils, on Tuesday, aimed at boosting planning, co-ordinating efforts and improving communications.

Terry Collins, Durham County Council’s director of neighbourhoods, said: “This year we have increased our undercover storage capacity by 13,000 tonnes and have been busy for some time building up stock.

“A great deal of hard work has been going on for many months to ensure that we are even better placed this year, and not just in County Durham.

“The purpose of the North-East salt summit has been to look at how we can work together effectively while also considering options for increasing our regional salt stocks.”

Councillor Bob Young, cabinet member for strategic environment, said the council had an absolute commitment to do everything in its power to keep County Durham moving, whatever the weather.

Amid rapidly falling salt stocks last year, Salt Cell – a national group which allocated the dwindling supplies – took control, allowing County Durham just 300 tonnes a day.

A map of priority winter salting routes for County Durham will be available soon at durham.gov.uk