After a dusting of snow fell across Surrey this morning Surrey County Council (SCC) has assured residents that it is prepared for snow and icy conditions.

It said a fleet of 39 gritters is ready to take action 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with access to a 16,000 tonnes salt mountain - twice the amount needed in the average winter. 

They are supported by a quad bike, an all-terrain vehicle and an army of 51 farmers equipped with spreaders and ploughs.

All grit bins have also been filled to help people treat roads and pavements.

If schools have to close due to the weather details will appear on SCC’s website, along with any county council building closures or disruption to library services.

Social workers are standing by to visit vulnerable people to make sure they are safe and residents are being encouraged to check on neighbours, friends and family.

The council is running a twitter feed to provide updates on gritting activity, roadworks, road closures and traffic information.

Details about bus services and school transport can also be found on SCC’s website.

SCC’s leader David Hodge said: "Getting through any severe winter weather requires us all to play our part.

"SCC has been planning for months to make sure it helps to keep the road network moving as much as possible, continues providing services to the most vulnerable and carries on providing grit for residents to spread in their community.

"But the truth is we cannot do everything. If residents and communities support us, things will be much better for the county as a whole.

"If residents help us by looking out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours and clearing snow away around their own properties, things will hopefully be much easier for everyone.

"Likewise, if local businesses get together to prepare for the winter, they will no doubt limit the impact of any severe weather."

More information at www.surreycc.gov.uk