Plans for quad bikes with snow ploughs for Wrexham town

Quad bikes could be fitted with snow ploughs and gritting units to tackle wintry weather in Wrexham town centre.

The measures are one of several proposed changes to Wrexham council's winter service policy, following one of the harshest seasons on record.

Other proposals include increasing the county's salt storage provision from 4,000 tonnes to 7,000 tonnes.

The proposals will be discussed by the environment and regeneration scrutiny committee on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, councillors agreed to borrow £1.6m to help repair road potholes caused by the winter freeze.

The repairs backlog in summer 2009 was estimated at £20m but bad weather since has added about £12m to the bill.

On Wednesday, councillors will discuss proposals to update the Winter Service Policy, and a report says the review is "particularly important after the severe winter experienced across the county in recent years".

Proposals include the "improved utilisation of existing four weed-spraying quad bikes through the purchase of slush ploughs and gritting units" to be deployed in the town centre and village shopping areas during snow.

Two tractors could also be used to grit high ground.

The report also suggests setting up two weather forecasting centres in the town centre and Bangor-on-Dee to provide more accurate information.

Other ideas include prioritising gritting routes, reviewing the location of salt bins and using emails to update council members and schools.

Councils across Wales are examining their methods for dealing with extreme weather following recent harsh winters.

Local authorities in England are looking to follow the lead of Newport council's £21m, three-year scheme to resurface all roads in the city.

It says Project 21 has saved the county money and reduced the number of potholes significantly.