More than 1,600 Sutton residents prepared for the predicted cold snap by collecting free grit supplies from Sutton Council last weekend.

Despite temperatures hitting 29 degrees just a week before, the icy temperatures predicted for later this month were clearly on resident’s minds as they headed to three sites across the borough to collect their supplies.

It follows the success of the pioneering scheme last year when more than 10,000 homes were issued with grit – and comes after forecasters predicted that snow could fall in the coming weeks.

Last year, around one bag of grit for every 10 households in the borough was distributed – an average of a bag of grit for every 50m of road. So far 1,671 10kg bags have been handed out – about double the amount claimed during the first week last year.

Cllr Simon Wales, Sutton Council’s Executive Member for Communities, Transport and Voluntary Sector, said: “It might seem strange to be handing out free grit a week after we experienced record warm temperatures, but we need to be prepared, and judging by the number of people who turned up, residents want to be prepared too.

“The response so far has been phenomenal, and shows that residents are happy and keen to get involved in clearing their driveways and nearby pavements and helping elderly neighbours out.

“By working together, council staff are free to concentrate on busy roads, shopping areas and hospitals. When it snows there will be thousands of people helping to keep our borough moving.”

Residents can collect the free grit over the next two weekends from B&Q in Carshalton Road, Sutton; Woodcote Green Garden Centre and Nurseries, in Woodmansterne Lane and Kimpton Park Way Reuse and Recycling Centre.