A NEW environmentally friendly salt product aimed at combating corrosion is being tested on Droitwich's roads this winter.

Worcestershire County Council's gritting teams ,based in Hartlebury, will be out in force testing the new Safecote product in the town from now until March.

Safecote is rock salt that has been treated to prevent the chloride content of salt from attacking metal surfaces, such as street lights and car bodywork, as well as roads, causing corrosion.

It costs an extra £8 per tonne but experts say its specialist make-up means less needs to be used and maintenance costs of vehicles and roads will be reduced over time, meaning it will be more cost effective.

Worcestershire County Council and Droitwich Town Councillor Peter Pinfield has welcomed the new gritting product.

"We are now entering that time when the weather can take a turn for the worse with both snow and, especially, ice on our roads," he said.

"The county highways are always on the alert to make sure our roads are kept free running and as safe as can be and I am pleased to see Droitwich as one of the trial areas for this new product."

Safecote is widely used in America and Canada and also in many European countries.

Other benefits include the fact that the material is biodegradable, longer lasting than normal salt and prevents freezing on the road surface.

Worcestershire County Council will be trialling the product in northern Wychavon areas and in the Wyre Forest and if it proves successful it could be extended to usage across the county.