Dumfries and Galloway severe weather response prepared

The council said Dumfries and Galloway could "bear the brunt" of the latest snowfalls

Dumfries and Galloway's major emergency scheme members have met to discuss preparations for potential severe weather forecast for the region.

Many parts of the country are expected to see snow on Thursday and Friday.

Dumfries and Galloway Council's chief executive Gavin Stevenson said it appeared the region could "bear the brunt" of the latest winter weather.

He said everything would be done to keep roads clear and schools open if significant snowfalls arrived.

He said: "We have been monitoring weather forecasts from the Met Office constantly and over the next couple of days it appears Dumfries and Galloway could bear the brunt.

"The council is working around the clock to keep our key roads clear and arrangements are being put in place with sub contractors to increase our gritting and ploughing abilities."

He said council staff would do everything they could to keep roads clear and town centres accessible as shops entered their busiest period of the year.

Mr Stevenson said there would be no blanket closure of schools and advised parents to check the council's dedicated website or phone [phone].