Snow's coming for Brighton and Hove (allegedly)

Eek, the warning seems a little premature as we enjoy some longed for sunshine (predicted to last all weekend) but Brighton and Hove City Council have said that they are already stockpiling tonnes of grit in the event of a big freeze this winter.

Forecasters have warned that freezing temperatures could hit Sussex as early as next month, making road conditions treacherous – with moderate-to-heavy snowfalls predicted in October (only a week away now) and November.

A freezing start to 2012 is also predicted.

A council spokesman said: "We're getting seven new state-of-the-art gritting wagons – all of them four-wheel drive."One of them is a go-anywhere vehicle which is narrower, enabling it to go to more congested streets.

"If we get another massive snowfall or a long freeze there will still be a great deal of disruption.

"In such conditions these new gritters will be largely pre-occupied keeping main roads open rather than clearing side streets."

Gritting routes and aims are also being reviewed to make more information available to residents during heavy snow.

People are also urged to do their bit - to shovel, sweep and salt their driveways and sections of pavement to make them safer.