November 20, 2012 10.40 am This story is over 136 months old

Lincolnshire blessing of the gritters ceremony returns

Gritter ceremony: The Bishop of Lincoln is preparing to bless the county’s gritters before road maintenance for winter takes place.

The annual blessing of Lincolnshire gritters will return on November 26, with the Bishop of Lincoln leading the ceremonies at the main highways depot in Sturton-by-Stow.

Eight ceremonies will take place in the county, led by a number of reverends, while the Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson, leads the winter road safety prayers.

The ritual takes place as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s winter maintenance programme and with the help of Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, helps motorists drive to the weather conditions.

The Rt Revd Christopher Lowson said: “People all over Lincolnshire are enormously grateful for the hard work of those who salt the roads in all hours and in all weathers.

“With many communities some distance from their nearest towns, Lincolnshire roads are depended upon for work, medical appointments, shopping and for visiting family and friends.

“The annual blessing of the work of the gritting teams is an opportunity to thank them for their work, to pray for their safety, and to remind us all of our responsibility to drive carefully for the sake of our own safety and that of others.”

Executive Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor William Webb said: “Our 43 gritters are in top condition and ready for Lincolnshire’s roads this winter, so now it’s time for the Bishop to give his blessing to them as we wish our teams well in the challenging weather that could lie ahead.

“If you see our gritters when you’re out and about, wish them well too and give the drivers a wave! They do an outstanding job of gritting the roads and helping to make them safer.

“There are occasions when salt is not as effective as others, so we urge all motorists to always drive to the conditions.

“Our Gritter Twitter is now back again, so please follow @LincsCC_Winter for real time information.”

See the County Council’s gritting FAQ.