A DRUMCHAPEL youth worker is to join the small army of volunteers helping to salt frozen paths in the community this winter.

Peter Divers, who works for the G15 Youth Project, is part of Glasgow City Council’s “winter wardens” who will keep the city moving when bad weather strikes.

He’ll be focused on Drumchapel Community Centre when it’s hit by ice and snow – and is encouraging others to join in.

The 35-year-old told the Post: “A lot of different age groups and people with disabilities use the centre and it’s important they can get in and out easily.

“We get a big industrial bag of rock salt delivered to the centre by the council and I shovel it on to the car park and paths when it’s cold. I like to make the place a bit safer for people in bad weather.

“Last year it was pretty mild but the year before there was a lot of snow, so there was a bit more work. I also let people know we have grit here, if they want to come and get some for their own paths.”

Peter, who also organises litter picks and community clean-ups in the summer, has also encouraged COPE Scotland and St Mark’s Church to get involved and grit areas around their own buildings.

He said: “When the community gets involved they feel a sense of ownership. When I see that I can make a difference and that people appreciate it, it gives me a sense of pride.

“I care about Drumchapel – this is my community. I grew up here and, in a sense, I almost feel as if it’s my duty to help make it the best it can be.”

Last month, West Dunbartonshire Council voted against expanding their winter gritting programme and encouraged residents to do more of the work themselves on paths and side streets.

Councillor Jennifer Layden, convener for equalities and human rights at the council, said: “Volunteer winter wardens do an amazing job in their communities. They pitch in because they care about their neighbours and neighbourhoods.

“Communities pull together when the going gets tough and extreme winter weather can be challenging. The volunteers’ work is a great example of how true Glaswegian community spirit can make a huge difference to daily life.

“I applaud them all for being so proactive and thinking of more vulnerable members of their communities – it is precisely the type of activity outlined in our draft City Charter.

“Working in tandem with the council, residents can contribute to making Glasgow a better place to live.”

Glasgow City Council said almost 1,400 council salt bins are available in neighbourhoods across the city – residents are encouraged to access these to grit their drives, paths and streets if snow or freezing temperatures are forecast.

An additional 118 large grit bags are also delivered to communities across the city.

Small amounts of rock salt are available for free up to 10kg, if you bring your own bags, to Victoria Park for collection.