Annual gritter blessing hits 20

As temperatures take a dip and winter makes itself felt, the county’s gritters are ready for action.
The Rt Rev Dr Nigel Peyton, asst Bishop for the diocese of Lincoln, carried out the traditional blessing service, which has been taking place for 20 years.
“The reason why we do this is, quite simply, to help people be aware of the upcoming weather and to remind them of how we need to keep ourselves safe, take care when driving and be courteous,” he said.
The county council has a fleet of 47 gritters and 29,200 tonnes of salt ready to go. There is a total of 5,500 miles of road network to be covered.