The ongoing adverse weather conditions continue to have a major impact on local authority salt reserves across the UK and Caerphilly county borough council’s stockpile has now reached a critical level.
The salt that CCBC have left (approx 200t) is being used sparingly on the main road network only and we will need to take further steps in order to ensure this can be maintained for as long as possible.
One decision that CCBC have reluctantly taken is that grit bins will not be refilled while our supplies are at such a low level (We have over 700 bins and it would take almost 200t to refill them all). We will continue to review the situation and we will obviously ensure they are refilled as soon as our salt supplies are replenished.
Another issue that is having a major impact on the community is the closure of schools. Headteachers obviously have a duty of care towards their pupils and staff, therefore they have the discretion to close their school if they believe that opening the site would present an unnecessary risk. Highways Operations have committed to clearing lying snow from school entrances and where possible school car parks over the weekend. Priority will be given to those schools where students are sitting exams at the beginning of next week.
Many council services have been making exceptional efforts to minimise disruption to residents and there are many examples of staff going that extra mile to make a difference.
The countryside and landscape section has been providing invaluable support by allowing their 4x 4 vehicles to be used by many departments. Meals On Wheels is one example – thanks to the vehicles the team have managed to deliver over 2500 meals across the borough this week.
The forecast from the Met Office indicates that there will be more persistent and possibly heavy snow over the weekend so CCBC will continue to monitor and review the situation and provide appropriate updates.
