CONWY County Borough Council’s gritters will be taking to the roads with new names chosen by residents.

Members of the public suggested more than 450 names in January via the council’s website and social media and more than 1,400 residents voted on the final shortlist.

The most popular name was Auntie Freeze, with Gritasaurus in second place and Sir Gritalot getting the third place slot. Professor Chris Whitty Gritty recognises the UK’s Chief Medical Adviser and is the longest winning name. Along with Eazy Peazy Anti Freezy, he’ll be gracing the side of one of the biggest vehicles in the council’s fleet.

Cllr Greg Robbins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation said: "I want to thank all the people who chose their favourites.

"I particularly like the local references – I’m A Celebgritty is a topical choice after Gwrych Castle was the base for Ant, Dec and the campmates last year.

"This has been a bit of fun to put a smile on people’s faces during a difficult time.

"But there’s also a serious side - bringing the public closer to the work of the team who go out day and night to keep them safe each year.

"So far this winter, Conwy’s team of gritters have gritted a grand total of 51,002 miles of road – that's the equivalent distance of going twice around the Earth.”

The full list of names, which will be added to the vehicles and the council’s new online gritter tracking system, is:

  • Auntie Freeze
  • Gritasaurus
  • Sir Gritalot
  • Miserable Ol’ Grit
  • Snow Donia
  • Professor Chris Whitty Gritty
  • Eazy Peazy Anti Freezy
  • Jack De-Frost
  • Dave
  • Van Halen
  • Snowcial Distancing
  • Freezy Rider
  • I’m A Celebgritty

The council has 13 gritter trucks which are on standby 24/7 between October and April to spread rock salt and plough snow. The trucks are deployed on First Priority Routes which cover a third of the county’s roads, including main traffic and bus routes and routes for the emergency services.

The gritter names will be added to the local authority's new tracking system, which will allow residents to see gritter locations in real time, via the council’s website.