As the country braces itself for the cold blast Tatton MP Esther McVey has visited the workers charged with keeping drivers safe on county roads at Knutsford's new salt barn.

She met staff at the salt barn located just off the M6 close to Knutsford Services which opened late last year after investment from Highways England.

Ms McVey said: “We often take for granted that the roads will be gritted and safe for use and forget the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I am delighted Highways England funded this barn in our area so our main roads and motorways are safe. It is an excellent location given it is right next to the M6 gritters can be easily loaded and straight back out on the motorway. When I was leaving the barn the gritters were being prepared to go out.

“We are expecting to see the coldest February week we have had in five years so the visit was extremely timely.”

The new barn is the size of eight terraced houses and stores enough salt to treat about 5,000 miles of motorway.  

Dubbed the “beast from the East” the incoming Russian weather is expected to plunge temperatures as low as minus 8C for many parts of the UK from Sunday night into next week. 

Ms McVey added: “In addition to taking care on the roads in the cold weather, we must remember to check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may be at increased risk during the period.” 

Highways England said their 19 depots across the North West, currently have 41,000 tonnes of salt with 73 gritters on standby to spread salt when temperatures are predicted to fall below freezing.