City of York Council is gearing up for winter with the production of its annual snow and ice leaflet.

The document, which will be available in council receptions, libraries and leisure centres from next week, provides information about the key routes that will be cleared in the event of bad snow and ice. The council salts over 50 per cent of its roads - a much higher percentage than the 25-30 per cent in most other authorities -and also treats a number of priority footpaths, including the city centre area; Front Street, Acomb; The Village, Haxby; Old School Court; William Plows Avenue; Wentworth Road; Scarcroft Hill and Oak Rise.

The leaflet also gives advice to motorists and cyclists about driving and cycling in wintry weather.

Anyone wanting further information should view the council's website on www.york.gov.uk or call 01904 551551.

The authority has also got some new gritters and snow ploughs that will make the spreading of salt even more effective this winter. The new gritters are fitted with satellite tracking so that they can provide up to the minute information to the control team.