BRAD Grit is out in Southend leading the town's mission to keep the roads moving as snow blankets the town. 

The grit spreader, overseen by Veolia working with Southend Council, has been out in a herculean effort to keep the roads safe. 

Brad Grit is just one of the machines used in Southend. There is also Thaw Enforcement and Grit Me Baby One More Time. 

The spreaders are out again this afternoon and again at 2pm. 

The gritting operation will take place on Southend’s roads as the region is hit by an icy blast.

Southend Council says gritters will be out this weekend, while 122 salt bins stand ready to be used across the borough.

There is also more than 1,500 tonnes of salt in reserve.

A quad bike with a trailer will cover key areas such as the hospital, Covid-19 testing sites and vaccination centres.

Echo: The white stuff is falling in Southend. Pic: Southend CouncilThe white stuff is falling in Southend. Pic: Southend Council

As well as the roads, Veolia – which is in charge of the operation - uses small gritting vehicles to keep miles of pavements and walkways safe across the borough.

Southend Council’s environment and planning boss, Lib Dem Leigh councillor Carole Mulroney is urging residents to make all-but essential journeys when the snow hits.

She said: “Although we are in a national lockdown and there is less traffic on the road and less people out, keeping Southend moving whatever the weather is crucial for our residents making essential journeys, our businesses, and emergency services, and we are ready to act when the need arises.

“I would like to urge all residents to ensure they check their vehicles and road conditions before setting out on what, at the moment, must be essential journeys only, and even then, if conditions are poor, consider waiting until the weather improves, giving our gritters the ability to treat our roads.”