Gateshead’s gritters get star names

A North East council is adding a dose of humour to its winter operations after residents helped name its gritting fleet.

Gateshead Council has revealed a series of playful new names for its gritters, following a public call-out inviting schoolchildren and local residents to get creative. 

Inspired by regional landmarks, famous figures and festive wordplay, the winning entries aim to bring some light-hearted cheer to colder months.

Among the selected names are Antony Stormley, Chill Halfpenny, Sir Brendan de Froster, Gritshead Millennium Fridge and Salt on the Tyne is all Mine, alongside other crowd-pleasers such as Ctrl+Salt+Delete, Angel of the Thaw and David Olu-snow-ga.

The initiative mirrors similar schemes rolled out by councils across the UK, designed to engage communities and raise awareness of winter services. 

By inviting people of all ages to take part, the council has turned a practical piece of infrastructure into a talking point.

The newly named gritters will now take to the roads as part of the council’s winter maintenance programme, helping to keep routes safe while spreading a smile across Gateshead.

Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said: “We have had fantastic suggestions for our gritter names and are really pleased that many of them have been inspired by people and places connected with Gateshead.

“Thank you to everyone who suggested a name. 

“Our gritters and the team are out and about throughout the winter months working incredibly hard to help keep our roads safe.

“They often work throughout the night so people don't see them as regularly as some of our other services, hopefully having these names will encourage people to look out for their favourite name and raise awareness of our winter maintenance team.”

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