BAGS of grit, shovels and high visibility jackets are being offered to residents as part of contingency plans for severe snow in the borough this winter.

Waltham Forest Council is appealing for 'snow angel' volunteers to sign up to its scheme to help alleviate "misery" in neighbourhoods if a storm strikes.

The project was first launched last year amid atrocious conditions that closed many roads and schools, while also bringing public transport to a standstill.

Back then the equipment was given only to councillors and council staff, but is being expanded to include residents this year.

Contact Amanda Karrinton at the council by phone on 0208 496 3000 or via email environmental.services@walthamforest.gov.uk to sign up to the free scheme.

A council spokesman added: "In addition to the Snow Angels initiative, the council has also invested in two new additional gritting vehicles and purchased 50 new grit bins."

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter

Click here to follow the Chingford Guardian on Twitter