THE County Council and communities across Gloucestershire are getting ready for colder weather as forecasters say temperatures are due to drop.

The council says it is fully stocked up with salt ahead of winter and while snow is not forecast as yet, colder weather is expected to reach the UK within weeks.

With the opening of two new salt domes, stock levels in the county have increased from 9,600 last year to just over 11,000 tonnes this winter.

The council has also given out around 70 hand spreaders and 5,500 25kilo bags of salt to parish and town councils or community groups to treat pavements and problem areas.

Cllr Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: "The response from communities has been phenomenal and it proves that people do want to get involved in local services.

"With their support added to our existing fleet of gritters and snow plough operators we're in a great position this year."