With the sub zero temperatures continuing and more snow expected before Christmas, Blaenau Gwent Council’s winter maintenance programme continues apace.
To conserve salt supplies, they are now gritting main roads only in order to keep them clear and safe for motorists. This is nearly half of the roads in Blaenau Gwent (48%).
Around 40 tonnes of salt is currently being used every day on gritting pre-determined routes – but this could be anything up to 150tonnes a day during periods of heavy snow.
Only pre-determined routes are being gritted – but they can still help out in exceptional circumstances such as emergencies, funerals and essential hospital appointments for treatment such as dialysis.
Local people just need to get in touch to request assistance – call the contact centre on 01495 311556.
Requests for help with hospital appointments will be checked with the Local Health Board as, unfortunately, false requests have already been made.
Several new grit bins are about to be sited in priority areas which have been identified – so there are now well over 500 located around the county borough. Salt for these bins is currently being mixed with sand to make it last longer and bins are only being re-filled on a strict priority basis.
They would remind people that this salt is to be used on public footpaths and highways only – not on private property such as garden paths or driveways.
A number of employees are able to be redeployed during the snow to make every effort to ensure schools remain open as well as clearing snow from care homes and town centres.
Local people are also able to clear snow themselves. Advice from DirectGov informs people how to clear snow and ice safely – for more information visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG191868
Following last winter’s big freeze they reviewed our winter maintenance programme and put together a ‘snow plan’ as well as investing in additional smaller snow ploughs to access more restricted areas such as residential streets and identifying staff to help with snow clearance.
Councillor John Mason, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services says:
“Salt deliveries are currently being prioritised to those parts of the UK which were hit hardest by the recent severe snow and freezing weather.
“Here in Blaenau Gwent we are being sensible with our salt usage and, as always, we have to prioritise the main routes and highways – but we are making every effort to help out in emergencies, essential hospital appointments and funerals.
“We are still re-filling salt bins, but on a priority basis only. Can I please appeal to people to be sensible about the use of this salt so that it benefits everyone. The salt should only be used on public highways and streets only – not private property.
“Please visit our website for information and advice on safe driving and snow clearance and remember to keep an eye on your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
“Here in Blaenau Gwent we continue to do everything we can to deal with snow and freezing conditions and maintain essential services to local people.”
For more information including any road closures visit Blaenau Gwent Council’s website at www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
