The council has warned that the 324 grit bins dotted around should not be used to treat private driveways.

The council’s request comes after it released details of their road gritting activities during the severe cold spell during the first half of December and thanked the teams who helped keep the roads safer in temperatures which reached around -9C at times.

Council gritting teams went out 15 times during the recent cold snap from December 5 to 18. Crews were deployed on average once a day, and have spread more than 450 tonnes of salt to help keep the roads safe.

A double shift was carried out on December 10 due to heavy snow, and the crews were also deployed twice on December 17, once in the morning due to snowfall and freezing rain and again in the evening due to sub-zero temperatures overnight.

There are 324 grit bins placed at potential "trouble spots" across the borough, such as where there are sharp bends or steep inclines and where historically snow and ice have caused serious problems.

The grit bins are replenished on request throughout the winter season as and when crews are available with 120 bins already refilled this year after calls and emails from the public.

The council also asked residents to please remember that the grit provided in the bins is for treating roads and footways, and should not be used to treat private driveways.

Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations at the council, said: “While most of us are relaxing in front of the fire, or even tucked up in bed, our crews have been out there in the freezing cold at all hours to keep Bury moving.

“Let’s say a big thanks to them, and hope that the weather stays warm enough to give them a decent Christmas too.”

More information on the council’s winter service can be found on their website.