Residents urged to keep up to date with winter weather via twitter

Nottinghamshire County Council launched its Gritter Twitter service in November 2010 and ever since has been using the social networking site to keep its followers informed of when the county’s roads are likely to be gritted.

The County Council’s Twitter feed has grown in popularity to such an extent that it recently clocked up its 12,509th follower and posted its 8,123rd tweet. At this time of year gritting is the most popular topic, but the Council also tweets events, council meetings and other news.

The Council grits A and B roads and major bus routes during the winter weather – accounting for around 43% of the county’s road network – and some additional routes during severe weather.

“In an age of social networking and 24-hour news, the Council recognises the need to give people ‘live’ information that will help them plan their journey,” said Coun Kevin Greaves, chairman of the County Council’s Transport and Highways committee.

“Gritter Twitter has been a huge success for us and I hope that more people will sign up to it this winter to receive the latest gritting alerts.”

People can sign up to follow Gritter Twitter at www.twitter.com/nottscc and keep an eye on the #grittertwitter hashtag.

In addition to Gritter Twitter, the County Council has updated the gritting map on its website to show the latest gritting routes across the county. Visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/gritting for more information.

For further information please contact Ian Wheeler, senior media officer, on 0115 977 3757 or email [email protected]