A MASTERPLAN to ensure a county’s road network survives the winter freeze was agreed today.

Arrangements to keep motorists moving in County Durham during coming months were outlined to senior councillors.

Members of the county council cabinet approved the winter maintenance plan, setting out how the authority will tackle gritting, snow clearing and managing salt stocks this winter.

The plan is reviewed and updated annually and a number of new measures have been added this year.

Salt stocks have been increased by 6,000 tonnes to 46,000 tonnes and an additional 200 salt bins will made available on request to add to the existing 2,000 countywide.

The number of farmer contractors agreeing to assist during extreme weather has been extended to 60, an increase of 17 from last year.

They can all deploy tractor trailers, tractor ploughs and loading shovels should the need arise.

Councillor Bob Young, the cabinet member for strategic environment and leisure, said: "We’ve learned a lot from our experience of the past few winters and have been working together to improve our service and road safety for the people of County Durham."

The council will continue to treat, or pre-salt, 45-per cent of the highway network across the county.

Those key roads will also be the first to undergo snow clearance, if required.

The council aims to ensure links to industrial estates, most schools, main bus routes and key routes within housing estates are kept running.

As part of the plan the council will extend working relationships with town and parish councils, plus volunteer groups, to maximise resources to clear footpaths and maintain stocks in community grit boxes.