Winter weather update (6 January 2026)
Bin collections
The adverse weather conditions are continuing to affect bin collections across Cheshire East.
Most collection rounds are operational today, but the safety of our crews is of course our main priority, and they will only empty bins where it is safe to do so.
This means that while our waste collection crews will try to get as many bins emptied as possible, for their safety and the safety of residents they have been advised to make a judgement call on making collections that are not along the main roads or easly accessible roads for the large heavy goods vehicles they are driving.
Crews not operational today:
- Recycling collections from New Year’s Day (Thursday 01/01/26)
- Macclesfield area
We are hopeful that the weather will continue to improve and will aim to get to get back to as many collections as possible during the forthcoming week.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Roads
Our gritters have been out across the borough overnight and will also be back out today.
Our highways teams continue to work around the clock to help keep Cheshire East moving during the current period of severe cold weather.
In the high east of the borough where snow ploughing is often needed, such as the Cat and Fiddle area, our specialist supply chain including hill farmers have been out throughout the period, and additional treatments were carried out on our strategic routes this morning.
Weather conditions have been particularly challenging, with some parts of the borough experiencing temperatures as low as –12°C overnight.
Salt becomes less effective below –5°C and stops working altogether at around –8°C. For salt to work properly, it must be spread before ice forms and then driven over to activate it.
Please remember that not all roads in the borough are gritted. In line with national guidance, our routes are prioritised based on risk.
This means we focus on key roads, bus routes, and access to essential services such as hospitals and schools, ensuring our resources are used where they have the greatest impact.
Although we cannot treat every road, our gritting network covers 678 miles (1,091km) – around 40% of Cheshire East’s entire road network.
Our gritters use computer‑controlled salt spreading systems and only spread salt where required. If you see a gritter travelling but not spreading, it is likely making its way to the start of a route or returning to the depot to refill.
All Cheshire East Council maintained grit bins across the borough are filled as part of our pre‑season preparations. They may be refilled once more if there is a prolonged period of severe winter weather and resources allow, but they are not topped up on an ad‑hoc basis.
Please only travel if necessary. If you do need to travel, take extra care – particularly on untreated roads.
More information about our gritting routes.
Libraries
Some of our libraries have reopened today but are operating with shorter opening hours and limited services.
The following will be open:
Alderley Edge: 10am - 1:30pm
Bollington: 11am - 3pm
Crewe: 11am - 3pm
Knutsford: 10am - 3pm
Macclesfield: 11am - 3pm
Wilmslow: 10am - 3pm
All other libraries will remain closed and the mobile library will not be running today.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.
Family Hubs
Oak Tree Family Hub and Nantwich Children's Centre remain closed today due to the adverse weather conditions.
Monks Coppenhall Family Hub will be back open.
Crewe Lifestyle Family Hub will not have any activities on today, however, Crewe Library will be open 11am - 3pm today.
Schools
Schools may be closed during periods of severe weather – Schools will contact parents and carers to advise.