Rhondda Cynon Taf Council staff continue to respond to the inclement weather today (Thursday January 7).
All of the county’s schools are expected to remain closed today.
Parents are reminded that the decision to close a school is made by the head teacher, not the local authority, and that, as such, the school should be the first port of call for the latest information.
Maerdy and Rhigos mountain roads are now open. The Bwlch remains closed at this time.
Staff are working across the county to assess the gritting situation, ensuring major highways and important areas are prioritised to keep the critical infrastructure of the county safe and protected.
Due to the continuing conditions, refuse and recycling collections, as well as that of bulky household items such as white goods and furniture, have been suspended.
Staff who would have undertaken these duties have, instead, been redeployed to gritting and clearance work.
Road and weather conditions continue to be monitored constantly to ensure collections can return to normal as soon as possible.
Across the UK, salt stock levels are falling and suppliers are unable to fully restock Councils.
While stock is arriving, it is in small quantities and stock cannot be guaranteed beyond the next few days. As a result, a strict plan of prioritisation has been put in place across RCT, which means main roads, major town centres and emergency incidents will be dealt with only.
Side roads will not be gritted and salt bins will not be filled as the authority works to make best use of the supplies it has, focusing on protecting the critical infrastructure of the county borough.
As such, motorists are urged to only make journeys that are absolutely necessary and to use main roads where they can. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to take extreme care.
Again, the situation with salt stock levels remains under constant review and, should the situation change, the council response will also be reconsidered.
