Local pupils get arty about winter
10 December 2013
Talented pupils from Additional Supported Needs (ASN) primary schools across Glasgow were today (10 December) presented with prizes for winning an exciting art competition to name six, brand new super gritters.
Scotland TranServ, the roads maintenance operator for south west Scotland invited the deserving winners to visit the Polmadie depot to see their names emblazoned on the gritters and take a tour of the depot to learn about winter services. Councillor Alistair Watson, executive member for sustainability and transport, Glasgow City Council was also in attendance to present the pupils with some fantastic prizes including £10 book tokens and art supplies.
The winning pupils were up against strong competition from over 20 ASN schools in Glasgow. Children were invited to be as creative as they wish and design a winter themed picture with their name of choice. The best names and designs were chosen by Russell Rennie, contract director and included SuperServ, Snowball, Joe, Frosty, Jack and Sparkle.
Mary Cloughley, Head Teacher at Hampden Primary School commented:
“This is a fantastic competition whereby our primary school pupils have been able to use their creative flair in a fun and engaging initiative.
“The children loved the idea of naming their own gritters and have also learned about the importance of winter operations and how Scotland TranServ keeps our roads open during winter each year.”
With a footprint that spans across 22 routes and over 600km of motorways and trunk roads; Scotland TranServ has invested over £3m in winter plant alone to bolster its services to operate the very latest in gritting technology across south west Scotland.
The winter fleet now consists of 48 vehicles, stationed across a head office and depot in Polmadie, Glasgow and five operational depots across Ayr and Dumfries and Galloway and includes 30 brand new gritters and 14 super gritters.
The super gritters, which were named by the pupils, each weigh over 32 tonnes and can carry up to 15 tonnes of salt at any one time. They are also able to spread double the amount of salt in one pass therefore reducing the need for re application and in turn their carbon footprint.
Councillor Alistair Watson, Executive Member for Sustainability and Transport, Glasgow City Council commented:
“I am delighted that Scotland TranServ has asked me to help reward these pupils for the hard work and effort that they displayed in this art competition.
“This is both a fun and interesting way to educate primary school pupils on the winter gritting services that are provided across Glasgow’s roads.“
Scotland TranServ is currently delivering a five year contract, which commenced on 1 April 2013, on behalf of its client Transport Scotland to provide roads maintenance services across south west Scotland.
Russell Rennie, Contract Director, Scotland TranServ said:
“We were delighted with the response to our competition and the level of creativity that was shown by each of the pupils. It was a tough job choosing the winners!
“I am pleased that we have be able to work in partnership with local schools and Glasgow City Council to deliver an initiative that encourages young people to learn more about the services that we deliver within their local communities.”
