SOUTHEND Council is asking residents do to its job in keeping pavements and roads clear...in return for free grit and shovels.

Residents are being signed up as “snow wardens” and given free grit, shovels, and high-visibility jackets to use in their neighbourhoods in the event of heavy snowfall.

To join the scheme they must take proof they live in the borough to the council’s household waste and recycling centre, in Stock Road, on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

A similar session last month signed up more than 30 people.