Roads and gritting
Sub-zero temperatures are again forecast for tonight and Flintshire’s priority road network will be treated. Members of the public are asked to only drive if the journey is essential and to take extreme caution on all routes, particularly the minor roads which will not have been treated.
Our salt stock levels are critically low and we are reporting daily to the Government team who are allocating salt deliveries on a priority basis.
Ice on minor roads and footpaths is generally being treated with chippings and sharp sand to help traction and minimise the risk of slipping.
Whilst the slightly warmer daytime temperatures are providing some thawing conditions in places, more sub-zero nightly temperatures are forecast for the remainder of the week.
Waste and re-cycling
Domestic waste
Refuse collections for Tuesday (12 January) will be published on the website tomorrow morning. The intention, weather permitting, is to collect as normal.
Areas in Queensferry, Shotton and Connah’s Quay accessed by alleyways will be covered on Wednesday.
Llanfynydd, Cymau and Ffrith area will be assessed tomorrow.
Clinical waste
If this has not been collected then it will now be on the normal days of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Recycling Services have struggled in the more rural areas scheduled particularly Ffrith and Carmel. All other areas have been covered with some exceptions.
Recycling will go to Tuesday’s schedule, again with an assessment of the rural areas tomorrow.
Drivers of vehicles will decide locally on the accessibility of all roads.
All eight of the Council’s re-cycling parks are open as normal.
For further information on waste collection or re-cycling please see the Council’s web site or contact 01352 703350.
Sheltered Housing Schemes
We are aware of the difficulties people face getting around sheltered schemes and in and out of their homes. Starting today, footpaths in schemes will be treated with limestone grit to improve their safety. Residents must note that this grit will not melt the snow and ice, but will improve ‘grip’. People should be very careful when walking on paths treated in this way.
Schools
Most Flintshire schools are expected to open as normal on Tuesday 12 January.
The school transport service in Flintshire will be operating on Tuesday 12 January to those schools which are open. However, some rural routes may still be inaccessible and parents in remote locations are advised to check with the transport provider to ensure their child’s transport is running.
In addition, parents should continue to check this web page for individual school closures and updates on school transport from 8.00am each morning as these may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Social Services
Our duty and assessment teams in Social Services for Children and Adults are running as normal during the day, and the North East Wales Emergency Duty Team continues to operate during evenings and weekends.
Social Services staff have ensured that essential services are maintained and urgent referrals are responded to.
Home care and supported living staff have been working hard, often going above and beyond the call of duty, to reach people needing help. People in most need have been prioritised for visits, and hundreds of phone calls and visits have been made to ensure urgent need is met.
Our staff have been in touch with families and neighbours for their help, if staff have not been able to reach people due to the weather or to meet the extra demand. We are extremely grateful to family members and neighbours who have helped vulnerable people with their care needs, shopping, or simply to help relieve the isolation experienced by many people who cannot get out.
Some staff in care homes and supported living have worked double shifts, staying on over night in case other staff could not get in to work.
The Council’s day centres for older people have been closed most of the week and will remain closed until further notice. All service users have been contacted individually about their care needs.
Some transport is operating for people who go to other centres for younger adults, and some centres are open. Service users are being contacted individually about their arrangements.
Housing
Emergency housing repairs are being prioritised to ensure the most critical cases are dealt with first.
Leisure Centres
All 9 of the Council’s leisure and sports centres are open.
Libraries
Flintshire’s libraries will remain open as normal as long as weather conditions permit. If travelling you are advised to telephone the library before setting out. Mobile and housebound library services will not be operating today.
Flintshire’s Record Office in Hawarden is open as normal.
