COMMUNITIES could soon be paying for salt grit during the winter months in order for Devon County Council to make large savings in its highways service budget.

The proposal is that the council will no longer supply free grit and it will be the responsibility of communities to re-stock when stocks are depleted.

From now until 2017, the Highways and Traffic Management service has to make savings in its budget. A number of options are being considered by the council in order to reach its budget reduction target of £3.4-million.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways management, said: 'One of the proposals is that we will no longer supply grit free to communities but for them to procure the grit themselves to top up their grit bins when their stocks are depleted.'

The bins will be filled at the beginning of the winter season and the communities will have to buy more as and when is needed through the Snow Warden Scheme.

Cllr Hughes added: 'We will continue to operate the Snow Warden Scheme, which provides the framework for community self-help. We will leave the grit bins in communities and will continue to communicate with, advise and support snow wardens. The proposals at this stage and decisions on the final budget will be made taking account of the consultation feedback.'

The consultation for the proposal ended Friday, December 5 and is now under review by the council.

Around £18.5-million has already been cut from the highways revenue budget since 2009.

To view the proposal visit the website http://www.toughchoices.co.uk">www.toughchoices.co.uk

l The snow warden is the key point of contact between the local community and Devon County Council. It is primarily a co-ordination role but also provides traceability regarding Devon County Council's public liability insurance by delivering training to community volunteers and through keeping a register of the local volunteers.

A snow warden must be nominated as suitable by the town or parish council or similar body, have received suitable training by Devon County Council, agree to work within the arrangements set forward by the council and must be registered with the county council.