Cornwall Council staff are on standby to deal with any problems caused by the snow and ice predicted to affect parts of Cornwall over the next few days.

Officers from the Council’s Emergency Management service are monitoring the weather situation closely and are liaising with staff from other Council services and partner agencies to respond if the situation deteriorates.

Cornwall’s roads are being protected by teams from CORMAC Solutions Ltd, the Council’s highways service provider. CORMAC are carrying out precautionary salting across the 25 routes covering around 1,400 km (875 miles) of the road network, including the most heavily trafficked A and B roads in Cornwall which, between them, are responsible for around 85% of traffic movements. They also treat roads to key sites such as hospitals, minor injury units, ambulance and fire stations, bus stations and secondary schools.

Drivers are urged to take special care and drive according to the road and weather conditions.

Councillor Geoff Brown, the portfolio holder for transport, said: “Ideally, people should avoid travelling in really bad weather if their journey is not essential. If you have to travel, check the forecasts before you set out and drive with care and in accordance with the road and weather conditions.

“Reduce your speed and keep a reasonable distance between yourself and other vehicles, look out for pedestrians and cyclists and, be especially careful on minor roads, driving according to the weather and road conditions you are experiencing – a road can be treacherously icy, especially in the morning, even if the sun is shining.”

The Council’s website has details of which roads are treated and information on clearing roads and pavements in local communities. Visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/snow. for more information. This site also has information on winter driving tips .

Adult Social Care staff are working with partners to ensure that vulnerable members of local communities receive support during emergency situations, while residents are also being urged to check on people who may be alone, at risk of ill health or elderly.

“Some people will be very vulnerable during this cold spell, so we’re urging people to check on their family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are OK. Just knowing someone is able to help do simple things like shopping when the weather is bitter can make a real difference to someone who is vulnerable,” said Councillor Rob Rotchell, the portfolio holder for Adults. The Council will publish regular updates on social media over the next few days on roads, weather, disruptions and tips for travel and staying warm. All information will be sent out on Cornwall Council social media accounts using the hashtag #ccsnow.

Road conditions will also be updated on CORMAC’s Twitter feed (@CORMACltd).