More than 50 Shropshire schools have taken up Shropshire Council’s offer of a free pedestrian salt spreader and salt, to treat icy pavements near their school during spells of wintry weather.

The first to take up the offer was Castlefields Primary in Bridgnorth, who have been using their spreader (named Spready Mercury) since last year.

Since the start of 2023 a further 50 schools have requested a spreader and salt. Spreaders have now been delivered to each school, with one tonne of salt also being delivered.

One of these schools is Sheriffhales Primary School. Hayley Hedge from the school said: “I took delivery of the salt spreader and have to say that the two guys who came were really friendly and gave me all the information on how to use the salt spreader and about delivery, use and storage of the salt. 

“Please can you pass on our thanks to the two guys who came to our school this morning and thank you to everyone involved in organising the salt spreader for us.” 

And Juliet Morgan from Onny C of E Primary School, Craven Arms, said:

“I used the grit spreader this morning – it’s really cool! Thank you very much!”

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:

“Working with schools is a great way to ensure that the approaches to each school is treated during spells of icy weather, and to help children stay safe on their way to and from school.

“We’re delighted that so many schools have now taken up the offer of a free spreader and salt.”