Sutton may have experienced an Indian summer this week, but the council is to begin handing out a free grit supply in preparation for early snowfall this Winter.

Each household will be able to collect 10kg of grit to use on footpaths, pavements or roads in front of their homes.

It follows a prediction from forecasters snow could fall as soon as next month.

The council is keen to give out grit early, after a pioneering scheme last year when thousands of homes were issued with grit before heavy snowfall fell in November.

Councillor Simon Wales, Sutton Council’s executive member for communities, said: “It might seem a little strange to be handing out the free grit already, particularly when there are reports of an Indian Summer, but we need to be prepared.

“The snow last year came down in November so we want to ensure we’re as ready as we possibly can be, so we can keep the borough moving when winter comes.”

Last year, around one bag of grit for 10 households in the borough was handed out, an average of a bag of grit for every 50m of road.

Residents are being invited to help their elderly friends and neighbours or people without cars by collecting the free grit on their behalf.

To find out where to collect your free grit log on to sutton.gov.uk/gritting Residents can collect the free grit on three consecutive weekends – starting on Saturday 8 October.

It is available from: • B&Q in Carshalton Road, Sutton (underground car park) – 10am to 5pm • Woodcote Green Garden Centre & Nurseries in Woodmansterne Lane – 8.30pm to 5pm on Saturdays, 10am to 5pm on Sundays • Kimpton Park Way Reuse and Recycling Centre – 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, 10am to 2pm on Sundays (check the webcam to avoid busy times – sutton.gov.uk/kimptonwebcam) Please bring your own bag or sack to collect the grit at Kimpton Park Way. Grit at the other two locations will be ready bagged.

Proof of residency in the London Borough of Sutton is required so people are requested to bring along a council tax bill or a current utility bill.

If you are elderly or disabled and currently receive an assisted bin collection you can arrange for the grit to be delivered to you.

Please call 020 8770 5070.

For details on how to use the grit go to sutton.gov.uk/gritting