After a freezing festive season, Torfaen Council says it is pulling out all the stops to clear roads and a backlog of refuse and recycling collections.
The local authority says it is doing its very best to deal with the “worst icy conditions” it has experienced this time of year for more than a decade.
Dangerous working conditions over Christmas meant refuse bins and recycling boxes in some parts of north Torfaen, including Blaenavon and Abersychan, could not be collected.
The Council anticipates that with more sub zero temperatures and snow predicted, the backlog could run into thousands.
But in a bid to catch up, crews worked over the weekend and transit vans have now been drafted in to collect waste from a small number of areas which refuse and recycling vehicles cannot access.
A Torfaen Council spokesman said: “To help restore normality we’ve had to come up with an exceptional solution to exceptional circumstances.
“The bad weather has presented us with a set of problems which have taken some time to resolve but we are asking people to continue to put out their bins on their normal collection day and we will endeavour to pick them up as soon as possible.
“We would like to thank residents for their patience and support through this period and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Over the last three weeks 2,000 tonnes of salt has been put down on Torfaen Roads – 1,500 tonnes more than usual for this time of year.
Main routes have been kept clear of snow and ice as a priority and the Council still has a good stock of salt to help deal with further freezing conditions.
Around 52 per cent of roads in Torfaen are treated, which compares favourably to the national average of 37 per cent.
On minor roads, not on the gritting routes and footways, 580 grit bins are provided.
Dangerous conditions have left the Council with no choice but to stop vehicles accessing Blaenavon Cemetery. However, there is still pedestrian access.
The spokesman said: “The Council makes every effort to keep the main roads clear of snow and ice.
“However, due to the uncertainty of the weather this is not always possible. Snow falling on lightly trafficked roads will settle even on treated roads. Therefore road users are reminded to use due care and attention when travelling in icy conditions.”
