West Dunbartonshire Council have issued cold weather advice as they get set for the winter season.

Temperatures have dropped in recent weeks and, as it's only going to get colder between now and the new year, the local authority has updated residents on what to do through the cold snap ahead.

 Council chiefs say more than 4000 tonnes of salt will be spread around the area while over 450 grit bins will be kept stocked for residents to access.

They also say the gritting team have been on 24-hour standby since October and have already been called upon a number of times in the last few weeks.

Councillor David McBride, the convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development (IRED), visited the teams at the Dumbarton depot.

He said: “Our teams are out patrolling the streets and keeping grit bins replenished to ensure we keep West Dunbartonshire moving during cold temperatures.

"Now we are asking residents to be prepared for the colder weather ahead and make sure they’re winter-ready.

"We would also encourage everyone to look out for their neighbours and loved ones during periods of adverse weather.”

While Council teams are keeping the streets safe, residents can do their part to be prepared.

The official council advice says:

Frozen pipes: Before attempting to thaw out your pipes, check for leaking joints or bursts.

If there are none, and if it’s safe to do so, gently warm any frozen sections with a heated cloth wrapped around the pipe.

Never apply a direct flame or attempt to thaw pipes by switching on your immersion heater or boiler.

Lose power: If you lose power, call 105 – it’s free of charge and will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice.

Car emergency kit: Keep safe during travel by keeping a car emergency kit, with items including a first aid kit; battery jump leads; a torch and spare batteries; a map for unplanned diversions; a blanket; a reflective warning sign; an ice scraper and de-icer; a shovel for snow; warm clothes and boots; some food, and a warm drink in a flask.

Know our routes and grit bin locations: Information on our priority primary and secondary gritting routes and your nearest grit bin can be found online here.

Further details can be found at the council website here.