THE weather may have been unseasonably mild but Borough of Poole aims not to be caught out when any snow and ice arrives this winter.

Over the last few weeks the council has been testing its resilience, ensuring it can effectively respond to any challenges the winter may throw up.

Its four gritters have been out testing the routes, priority sites have been prepared for manual gritting, staff have trained by the Met Office in weather forecasting and information and advice for residents during severe weather has been reviewed.

Poole’s gritters are on standby 24 hours a day, ready to treat up to 120 miles of priority roads in case of ice and snow.

There are 63 grit bins throughout the town, prepared in readiness for bad weather.

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment, said: “The last few winters have presented a range of challenges to councils up and down the country.

“We have used these experiences to ensure this year’s preparations are robust enough to cope with whatever weather this winter brings.”