Snow Joke! Council names its gritting fleet after local celebrities

There’s no doubt this year’s festive celebrations will be a little different for all of us so to lighten the atmosphere, staff on Neath Port Talbot Council’s winter gritting fleet asked for help in naming their sturdy lorries.

Among the names other councils have dreamed up for their vehicles have been Spreaddie Mercury and David Plowie but after getting assistance from people around Neath Port Talbot on social media, it was decided some of the area’s not inconsiderable group of local celebrities should be honoured.

Listed below are the final five gritter lorry names which were chosen by lorry drivers and other members of the hard working winter fleet staff.

They recognise rugby stars Justin Tiperic and Gareth Edwards, Skewen born rock singer Bonnie Tyler plus famous actors Richard Burton and Michael Sheen.

1) Justin Non-sliperic
2) Gareth Spreadwards
3) Richard Brrrrrton
4) Bonnie Tyre
5) Michael Gritter Ma-Sheen

The names will now be applied to gritting vehicles which cover specific routes appropriate to the names. For example, the HR2 route covers Cwmtwrch close to where Michael Sheen now has a home.

The council is grateful for the hundreds of suggestions from residents it received from all across Neath Port Talbot.

A trend soon developed from the many entries with people throughout the local authority suggesting well known names from the area and further afield.

Other suggestions which didn’t make it included: Kristian Snow’Kleary, Huw Spreadwards, Ma-Grit John, Keith Halen, Leon Gritton, Sharleen Griteri and Sir Snow Farah.

(All images: Neath Port Talbot Council)