Essential Council services in Blaenau Gwent ran as normal while the Council battled against the heavy snow and the winter freeze over the last three weeks.
The Council asked local people to check on housebound neighbours.
During that time Blaenau Gwent Highways gritting lorries and snowploughs kept the full network of main roads clear in spite of heavy snow . Additional snow clearing teams worked in local communities. We also helped in emergency situations – for example, where people need to get to hospital for appointments.
Home Care and Meals on Wheels
Home Carers and Meals on Wheels staff continued to do a tremendous job in getting round to their service users – often walking through snow.
Refuse and recycling collections
The Recycling and Refuse teams also worked hard to make their usual daily collections. Understandably, they could not always get through because of the bad weather.
Schools
Schools in Blaenau Gwent use the BBC Wales Online website daily to notify parents and staff if they are still closed. During the freeze the website was updated minute by minute every morning from 5.30am onwards.
School closure information was also broadcast on BRfm – the local community radio station.
Emergencies out of hours
If anyone has special needs – or is concerned about neighbours who are housebound or living alone – they should get in touch with us through our Connect 2 Blaenau Gwent contact centre on 01495 311556.
For the emergency out of office hours service for Council Housing Repairs and Environmental Health – including Noise Nuisance – call 0845 056 8035.
Social Services
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm: phone 01495 315700.
For emergency Social Service calls out of these hours call the Emergency Duty Team on 0800 328 4432
