A HUGE salt barn is to be built to make sure Liverpool does not run out of grit when winter weather arrives.
The city council is to spend £345,000 on the barn, with a capacity to hold 5,000 tonnes.
Currently road salt is stored in the open air at a depot in Newton Road, Old Swan, but only 2,000 tonnes can be stored.
In the last four years, the council has used on average 3,400 tonnes each winter and has had to rely on deliveries during autumn and winter when demand and costs are at their highest.
In January, 2010, during bitter winter weather that saw the region buried under snow, the council ran out of grit, sparking a furious row with the Government over control of salt stocks.
Stockpiling salt in the open air, at the mercy of rain, also means a lot is lost through leaching into soils and crusting, and greater amounts have to be spread on the road for it be effective.Š
The council estimated that up to 60% of salt may be lost per year, costing more than £70,000, through storage in this way.
A report to the council’s cabinet, to be considered next Friday, recommends spending £345,000 on the barn.
A planning request has also been submitted, and, if the money and permission is approved, its construction is subject to planning permission which is currently being sought.
Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport said: “On every level – practical, financial and environmental – it makes sense for us to have a salt barn.
