Stirling Council will give out shovels, grit and high-vis clothes to people who volunteer to clear footpaths this winter.
They hope the pilot project will enable groups of residents to support their community during wintry weather conditions.
The Community Winter Volunteer scheme will give people the tools to help clear snow and ice on local footpaths that are not currently treated by the council.
Applicants and groups will be provided with safety clothing and the necessary equipment, including shovels, snow pushers, grit spreaders, high-vis clothing, PPE and grit.
Full training will be delivered by the council to volunteers to carry out the tasks and ongoing support will also be available.
Each group will elect a team leader and a deputy leader, who will liaise with the council’s Roads Service.
The initiative was approved as part of the council’s Winter Service Policy for 2022/23 at a recent meeting of the environment and housing committee.
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Convener, Councillor Jen Preston, said: “During the winter months the council has to prioritise the areas it grits, focusing on routes that pose the greatest risk to public safety if not treated.
“This pilot project will empower communities to clear snow and ice from local footpaths as and when needed, in addition to the gritting carried out by the council which will remain at the same level as previous years.
“There is a fantastic community spirit across Stirling and we know there is a desire from groups
and individuals to pitch in for their own neighbourhoods and communities over the winter to help the most vulnerable.
“Any community groups or residents who would like to get involved or want to know more about the scheme, please get in touch as soon as possible.”
A number of other local authorities employ similar schemes including Edinburgh, Falkirk and Aberdeenshire.
The Roads Service will monitor the operation and effectiveness of the pilot and a report will be brought back to a future meeting of the committee.
For more information on the pilot and to apply, head to the Stirling Council website.
