New salt boxes have been installed in a Glengormley estate after public transport was withdrawn during cold spells in recent years.

The news is a welcome boost to residents of the Dermont estate off the Hydepark Road who have been campaigning for the boxes after cold snaps in the past five winters.

Resident Bernard Braniff said people have been increasingly concerned about public transport being pulled and emergency service vehicles accessing the area.

“The last three years has been really bad with heavy ice and frost and in 2007 and 2008 it lasted from December until March,” he said.

“It causes very dangerous driving conditions, buses can’t get in and out, emergency services have difficultly getting in and out and that is a great concern for drivers and people on foot.”

He said the new boxes should ease those concerns and encourages anyone from the community to get involved in spreading the grit.

Newtownabbey Sinn Féin councillor Gerry O’Reilly, who helped the residents secure the boxes, said the salt boxes were “much needed”.

“Many residents in the Glengormley area are far too familiar with disruption during the winter and it's essential we make every effort to ensure access particularly for our older and most vulnerable citizens.”