08/01/2026
Gritting and Cold Weather Update
Over the years, we’ve been able to grit some of the side roads in Fairford Leys thanks to Bucks Council, who have generously provided salt and grit free of charge. The main square and car parks continue to be looked after by the Fairford Leys Management Company agents, Brown & Lee.
Just before Christmas, we filled the grit bins so residents could use them if needed. The recent cold snap quickly reduced supplies for side road gritting, and although we tried several times to get more grit, it wasn’t immediately available. We’re pleased to share that Bucks Council has now kindly provided one tonne of salt/grit at no cost to the parish council. Each gritting run uses about a tonne, so this will help us for the time being.
We’ve invested in our own grit bins, but they’ve always been filled with free supplies from Bucks Council. Looking ahead, any further gritting will need to be funded by the parish council, and we’ll need to assess the costs carefully as this would be a new expense.
For everyone’s safety, please note that the wooden bridges should not be gritted, as the salt could contaminate the river. We ask all residents to take extra care when walking on pavements and bridges during icy weather.
It’s also important to remember that the parish council has no legal obligation to provide salt to grit roads or pavements or grit side roads, we do so where we can to help residents. Bucks Council will only grit the major roads if and when they consider it necessary, they do not grit side roads.
We truly appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation of our community during these cold conditions. By looking out for one another and taking extra care, we can all help keep Fairford Leys safe.
